Sexual Violence Prevention in Indiana: Toward Safer, Healthier Communities

For roughly three decades, policymakers have sought to reduce sexual violence by reliance on a criminal justice approach in which sexually violent acts are dealt with after they occur. Recognizing that prevention efforts could be more valuable, as they work to stop the problem before it begins, researchers have begun to implement a primary prevention model--one that seeks to prevent sexual violence. The present brief discusses sexual violence in the United States with a special focus on Indiana's Primary Prevention efforts. This brief's intention is not only to inform readers of the prevalence of sexual violence but also to discuss sexual violence as a multi-faceted and complex public health issue, one in which public policy alone will have limited effectiveness. In addition, the brief outlines legislation and policy aimed at sexual violence prevention in Indiana, as well as in other states. (Contains 6 footnotes.)