Research shows that teaching only risk reduction, especially with mixed-gender groups, causes more victim blaming when a sexual assault occurs. People often place more responsibility for the sexual assault on the victim instead of on the offender where it belongs.
Sexual assault is an act of power and control. It is not caused by uncontrollable sexual desire. Offenders are motivated by anger, disdain for their victim and a desire to harm someone. Sex offenders focus on their own wants, while disregarding or disrespecting the wants of their victims. Most sexual assaults are planned, and 85-90% are committed by someone the victim knows.. Men commit over 90% of all sexual assaults; women commit less than 10 %.
Why does sexual assault happen? What are the basic causes? Why do some people choose to commit sexual assaults and justify or excuse their behavior? Primary prevention works to address these questions.
The goal of primary prevention work is to positively influence individuals and groups of people before negative behavior occurs. SASI’s prevention work challenges high school students to question their beliefs and stereotypes about gender roles, examine obvious and subtle messages in our culture, including media advertising, and build bystander intervention skills. We also provide prevention information for teachers, school counselors, and parents so they become more educated and supportive of primary prevention efforts.
For more information about SASI's prevention efforts please contact SASI staff at (970) 330-7273 or e-mail at sasiservices@survivorinfo.org