Vision Statement
Engaged Nevadans build communities where people live free of sexual violence.
Program Background
The Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program is part of a national effort launched by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in response to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and continues through reauthorization and expansion of the original legislation.
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/rpe/index.html
National Data
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS):2011 Report, on average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Over the course of a year, that equals to more than 10 million women and men impacting all races, socioeconomic levels, and sexual orientations.
Research shows that victims most at risk for intimate sexual violence are less than 25 years of age, with approximately 79% of female victims experiencing their first rape before the age of 25. Among male victims, 28% report they were first raped when they were 10 years old or younger.
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_executive_summary-a.pdf
Program Strategy
Nevada currently maintains sexual violence prevention strategies targeting its most vulnerable population, teens and young adults of all genders, cultural and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious affiliation, and socio-economical levels.
There is growing empirical evidence that well-designed youth development interventions can lead to positive outcomes. Encouraging positive relationship development in young adults facilitates their adoption of healthy behaviors and helps to ensure a healthy and productive future adult population.
Strategies implemented for preventing future sexual violence episodes in Nevada include:
• bystander intervention education and training
• healthy relationship education
• workshops for professionals and peer educators working within target populations
• awareness campaigns