The Public Health Approach to the Prevention of Sexual Violence

This paper presents the public health approach to the prevention of sexual violence. The public health approach addresses primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. An explanation of each level of prevention is given as it relates to the area of sexual violence. Additionally, the public health approach attempts to shift the focus of prevention from potential victims to potential perpetrators. The four steps of the public health model are presented with examples of how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are applying this model to sexual violence prevention.