This study evaluated the effectiveness of a sexual assault prevention program in changing college students’ rape-related attitudes and behaviors.
Sexual assault prevention programs have proliferated on college campuses as a result of the high rate of rape and sexual assault experienced by this population. The current study assessed how an hour-long sexual assault prevention program affected self-reported rates of sexually aggressive behavior in men and rates of sexual victimization in women on a college campus in Ohio. Participants were 1,108 college students who completed questionnaires before and 9 weeks after voluntarily completing the sexual assault prevention program. Questionnaires measured beliefs in common rape myths, empathy toward rape victims, attitudes toward women, and sexual experiences. Questionnaires were also administered to a comparison group who did not attend the sexual assault prevention program. Results indicated that while beliefs in common rape myths were reduced as a result of program participation, the program did not affect sexually aggressive behavior in men nor did it reduce women’s risk of victimization. Participants reported positive impressions of the program but did not consider the program to be personally relevant. The findings suggest the need for program changes since the program did not produce the desired behavioral changes. Tables, references