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Assessing the effects of the dating violence prevention program "safe dates" using random coefficient regression
Vangie A Foshee1, Karl E Bauman, Susan T Ennett
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7440, USA. foshee@email.unc.edu
Summary
The Safe Dates Project, a school-based program, significantly reduced adolescent dating violence perpetration and victimization. It proved effective for all genders and races, demonstrating primary and secondary prevention effects.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Adolescent dating violence is a significant public health issue.
- Effective prevention programs are crucial for mitigating harm.
- School-based interventions offer a scalable approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the Safe Dates program.
- To examine primary and secondary prevention effects on dating violence.
- To identify moderators and mediators of program impact.
Main Methods:
- Randomized trial design with five waves of data collection.
- Random coefficients models and multiple imputation for data analysis.
- Assessment of psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in psychological, moderate physical, and sexual dating violence perpetration.
- Significant reductions in moderate physical dating violence victimization.
- Program equally effective across genders and racial groups, with notable mediation by norm changes.
Conclusions:
- The Safe Dates program is an effective school-based intervention for adolescent dating violence.
- The program demonstrates both primary and secondary prevention capabilities.
- Changes in social norms and awareness are key mechanisms for program success.