Understanding Sexual Violence Using a Public Health Model

p>The purpose of this publication is to provide linkages between advocates and researchers in the anti-sexual violence field. & This issue presents an overview of resources and articles that provide insight to those seeking to understand sexual violence utilizing the public health model.

Sexual violence can be viewed many ways. Some of the more common perspectives are mental health, criminal justice, medical, social and political. In the1970's the anti-rape movement clearly operated from a socio-political analysis of the issue. As service delivery structures were created the movement's analysis expanded to accommodate the collaborations taking place in the criminal justice, mental health and medical systems. Over the past decade there has been a push to incorporate a public health analysis of the issue. The public health model is inclusive of many of the ideals on which the movement was founded. It seeks to involve the whole community in seeking solutions. It is multidisciplinary and encompasses a wide range of interventions, from treatment to prevention strategies.

This issue contains abstracts of

• "Public Health and Violence Prevention" Current Issues in Public Health 1:2-9 (1995)
• "Sexual Offending as a Public Health Problem: a North American Perspective " The Journal of Sexual Aggression 5:1 (2000)
• "Child Sexual Abuse as a Public Health Issue: Recommendations of an Expert Panel" Sexual Abuse: &A Journal of Research and Treatment 11:4 (1999).
• "Having New Eyes: Viewing Child Sexual Abuse as a Public Health Problem" A Journal of Research and Treatment 11:4 (1999)
• "Public Health Policy for Preventing Violence" Health Affairs Winter (1993)
• "New Directions for Prevention: Reconceptualizing Child Sexual Abuse as a Public Health Concern." & Prevention Violence in Relationships: Developmentally Appropriate Interventions across the Life Span (2001)
• "The Public Health Approach to the Prevention of Sexual Violence." Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment 12:1 (2000).
• "Public Health Models of Violence and Violence Prevention" Encyclopedia of Violence Peace and Conflict 3 (1999)
• "Topics for our Times: Rape is a Major Public Health Issue." American Journal of Public Health 86: 1(1996)