A New Model for Sexual Assault Protection: Creation and Initial Testing of Elemental. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holtzman, Mellisa; Menning, Chadwick
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied social science. Volume 9:Number 2(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: program evaluation -- sexual assault; Applied sociology -- Periodicals; Clinical sociology -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; 360
• DOI: 10.1177/1936724414536394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1936-7244

Abstract

Sexual assault self-protection programs often address either broad educational goals (e.g., alcohol awareness, gender, and safety) or are restricted to the practice of violent hands-on self-protection techniques. Enrollment is almost entirely restricted to female audiences, in spite of a high risk of assault among gay men. We describe the development of Elemental, a sexual assault protection program, wherein we undertook a sociologically grounded yet multidisciplinary approach to produce a holistic and inclusive program that teaches a variety of response options, including nonviolent physical and verbal techniques. Through the use of survey data from program participants and a control group, we present results of initial longitudinal tests of the efficacy of the program. Directions for further testing and development are discussed.