Youth sexual violence refers to violent sexual acts that are directed toward children and young adults. The CDC references youth sexual violence as follows, “Sexual Violence is a significant problem in the United States. SV refers to sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given. Anyone can experience SV, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and is usually someone known to the victim. The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member.”

College women are more at risk than other age group, however, by the time youth enter high school, they have already been exposed to a range of experiences related to both sexual activity and sexual violence. A study has shown that half the population of youth in 9th-12th grade have engaged in some sort of sexual activity.

• The ultimate goal of the school nurse is prevention of violence and the prioritization of safety for students, staff and the school community as a whole. This involves providing education to the school community in problem solving and conflict resolution, recognizing early warning signs that lead to violence and factors outside of theskills school setting that might predispose a child to violent behavior or threaten students’ safety. School nurses have the expertise to assist students in developing problem‐solving and conflict resolution techniques, coping and anger management skills, and positive self‐images. School nurses are able to serve on school safety and curriculum committees, identifying, advocating and implementing prevention programs within the school community. School nurses possess the knowledge to be active members of crisis intervention teams to address violent situations in the school setting.

What is being done? Unfortunately, little is known about what works to prevent sexual violence. To date, only one prevention program, Safe Dates, has been shown in a randomized controlled trial to prevent or interrupt sexual violence perpetration. Here is an excerpt from www.hazelden.org,” Highly engaging and interactive, Safe Dates helps teens recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive dating relationships. Designated as a Model Program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 2006, Safe Dates was selected for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings on all criteria.”

Another valuable resource for information on prevention of youth sexual violence is the CDC. The CDC uses a 4-step approach to address public health problems like sexual violence:

1. Define the problem2. Identify risk and protective factors3. Develop and test prevention strategies4. Assure widespread adoption

The ultimate goal is to stop sexual violence before it begins

There is a myriad of resources that nurses can reference and share with their patients. Some include:Batterer Intervention Program Services

Domestic/Sexual Violence Integration Initiatives

Safe Spaces for GLBT Youth

Sexual/Domestic Violence for GLBT Communities

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Youth Violence Prevention Program

Sexual Assault Prevention & Survivor Services

Violence Prevention and Intervention Services. (2015, January 1). Retrieved January 6, 2015, from http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/community-health/dvip/violence/Violence Prevention and Intervention Services. (2015, January 1). Retrieved January 6, 2015, from http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/community-health/dvip/violence/The Role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. (2007, January 1). Retrieved January 6, 2015, from http://www.ndaa.org/pdf/pub_role_sexual_assault_nurse_examiner.pdf

Sexual Violence: Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from :http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/prevention.html

Sexual Violence: Definitions. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/definitions.html

Safe Dates. Retrieved from: http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/safedates.page

School Violence, Role of the School Nurse in Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.nasn.org/PolicyAdvocacy/PositionPapersandReports/NASNPositionStatementsFullView/tabid/462/ArticleId/566/School-Violence-Role-of-the-School-Nurse-in-Prevention-Adopted-June-2013