Acceptability of RealConsent: A Sexual Violence Web-Based Risk Reduction Program for College Women

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Technology in Education

Background:

• Sexual violence (SV) remains a significant concern among college students.
• Existing prevention programs often face challenges in reach and engagement.
• Web-based and mobile technologies offer potential solutions for scalable interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability of RealConsent, a technology-based sexual violence risk reduction program.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in increasing knowledge and protective behaviors.
• To gather feedback for program improvement among first-year female college students.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 444 first-year female college students.
• Delivery of four 45-minute web-based and mobile modules.
• Quantitative and qualitative acceptability surveys administered post-module.

Main Results:

• RealConsent was perceived as relatable, realistic, and relevant by participants.
• High ratings for module quality, organization, and knowledge conveyance were reported.
• Suggestions included enhancing inclusivity for sexual and gender-minority students.

Conclusions:

• RealConsent is an acceptable sexual violence risk reduction program for first-year female college students.
• The program's technology-based format shows promise for broad dissemination.
• Further refinement can enhance inclusivity and program impact.