AN EVALUATION OF SAFE DATES, AN ADOLESCENT DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTIONPROGRAM

Objectives. This study assessed the effects of the Safe Dates program on the primary and secondary prevention of adolescent dating violence. Methods. Fourteen schools were randomly allocated to treatment condit ions. Eighty percent (n=1886) of:the eighth and ninth graders in a rur al county completed baseline questionnaires, and 1700 (90%) completed follow-up questionnaires.Results. Treatment and control groups were co mparable at baseline. In the full sample at follow-up, less psychologi cal abuse, sexual violence, and violence perpetrated against the curre nt dating partner were reported in treatment than in control schools. In a subsample of adolescents reporting no dating violence at baseline (a primary prevention subsample), there was less initiation of psycho logical abuse in treatment than in control schools. In a subsample of adolescents reporting: dating violence at baseline (a secondary preven tion subsample), there was less psychological abuse and sexual violenc e perpetration reported at follow-up in treatment than in control scho ols. Most program effects were explained by changes in dating violence norms, gender stereotyping, and awareness of services. Conclusions. T he Safe Dates program shows promise for preventing dating violence amo ng adolescents.