Prevention
Preventing sexual violence starts with education.
At SAVA, we understand that the people most at risk of experiencing and perpetrating violence must be equipped with knowledge, tools, and resources early, in order to prevent violence by increasing protective factors.
SAVA’s evidence-informed prevention education programming reaches thousands of youth every year in Larimer and Weld Counties.
Why Prevention Education?
Research indicates that children and teens are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. According to a 2019 report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the majority of sexual assaults in Colorado involved victims ages 17 or younger. Youth ages 14-17 experience the highest rates of sexual assault across all age groups (BJS, 2021).
In just one year, an average of 56% of girls and 40% of boys in grades 7-12 experience sexual harassment in school (Hill & Kearl, 2011). Additionally, 87% of middle and high school students who were sexually harassed said it was so severe that they did not want to go to school, felt physically sick, and/or hard difficulty studying, focusing, or sleeping as a result of the harassment (Hill & Kearl, 2011).
Victims of sexual assault are at a greater risk for experiencing mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, memory problems, and more (Dworkin, 2020). Young people who experience sexual violence are at an increased risk for long-term health consequences such as chronic pain, migraine, digestive problems, and autoimmune disease (Van der Kolk, B. A., 2015).
These impacts create barriers to living healthy, happy, and engaged lives in which young people can fully participate in their community. Young people in Northern Colorado deserve better than this.
They deserve to live full, vibrant lives that are free from sexual violence.
At SAVA, we understand that the people most at risk of experiencing and perpetrating violence must be equipped with knowledge, tools, and resources early, in order to prevent violence by increasing protective factors. Young people need education and support regarding boundaries, communication, body image, consent, and safety from trusted adults in their lives.
SAVA provides evidence-informed prevention programming to young people in Northern Colorado that reduces the risk of sexual violence victimization and perpetration.
SAVA’s Youth-Based Prevention Education Programs
SART Peers
A peer education model seeking to raise awareness and knowledge about sexual violence, increase support for survivors, and create a safer school culture.
Speak Up!
Programming for high-risk middle school aged youth throughout Northern Colorado that empowers young people to “speak up” for themselves and others.
SOAR
Safety, Opportunities, All Abilities, Resources is an educational, weekly program designed for youth and adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities.
SuperWorld
An active, outdoor program for youth ages 6-12 that aims to prevent sexual violence in a developmentally appropriate way.
Our Approach
SAVA Center prevention programs utilize the STOP SV strategies outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as our guiding principles. SAVA Prevention Programs seek to change personal attitudes and beliefs, teach skills that prevent sexual violence, and create protective and supportive environments for youth.
Prevention Interest Form
To learn more or to request SAVA Prevention Programming, please fill out the interest form below.
Prevention Education’s Amazon Wishlist
SAVA’s prevention team is always in need of materials and supplies to support our vital prevention education programs for youth. We need your support in maintaining high quality materials.
Check out Prevention’s Amazon Wish List here.