Assessing the long-term effects of the Safe Dates program and a booster in preventing and reducing adolescent dating violence victimization and perpetration

Added on 08 October 2008 to the Evidence Base

Journal Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: This study determined 4-year postintervention effects of Safe Dates on dating violence, booster effects, and moderators of the program effects. METHODS: We gathered baseline data in 10 schools that were randomly allocated to a treatment condition. We collected follow-up data 1 month after the program and then yearly thereafter for 4 years. Between the 2- and 3-year follow-ups, a randomly selected half of treatment adolescents received a booster. RESULTS: Compared with controls, adolescents receiving Safe Dates reported significantly less physical, serious physical, and sexual dating violence perpetration and victimization 4 years after the program. The booster did not improve the effectiveness of Safe Dates. CONCLUSIONS: Safe Dates shows promise for preventing dating violence but the booster should not be used.

Journal:

American Journal of Public Health

Volume:

94

Issue:

4

Page References:

619-624

URL:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15054015?ordinalpos=9&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum  

Study Type:

Randomised, Random, Randomized, randomized, Controlled, Contol, Control, Longitudinal

Effect:

Mixed

Prevention:

Universal/Indicated

Search the Evidence Base