TDH Booklet4 - Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

Background Paper - Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women
norms. 87
Spectrum of Strategies and Actors
Research on successful prevention of injuries and other health
problems emphasizes the need to apply a spectrum of strategies
involving many actors, including non-traditional allies in the
development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts. 88 In
addition to undertaking public awareness efforts and education to
change individual behaviors, effective prevention efforts focus on
systems and comprehensive solutions that also influence policy and
legislation.
Eventually these efforts
will lead to a society that
will no longer tolerate
violence.
For VAW prevention in Texas this means applying evidence of
the influence health care professionals can have in helping people
who suffer from VAW. Many people access the health care system
who do not seek support from services specific to VAW, so health
care professionals have the opportunity to educate and influence
both men and women. In addition, advocates of VAW prevention
promote involving men, including former perpetrators, in the
dialog. 89 Effective prevention efforts focus on including men as
essential allies in ending VAW. 90
Conclusion
Emphasizing primary prevention of VAW as a public health
priority holds great promise for the state of Texas and beyond.
Viewing the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking
through the lens of the public health model helps clarify the great
need to focus resources and concerted efforts on stopping the
violence before it occurs.
Clearly defining these issues and the factors that contribute to
their existence requires culturally competent action using a
comprehensive approach. The problems occur at such high rates
that they have become part of what is considered normal by many
Texans. Trying to understand and stop VAW can seem
overwhelming due to its complex nature. But the research shows
that other complex health problems have been successfully
addressed using a multidisciplinary, evidence-based, communitycentered
public health approach. It is time to apply such a strategy
to stop the violence and its devastating consequences in Texas.
As stakeholders across the state implement the plan outlined in
this document, Texans and others interested in stopping VAW will
be able learn from the principles emphasized here. When survivors
of VAW, community leaders and advocates from many affected and
influential groups come together to plan, put into action, evaluate,
and share prevention efforts and outcomes, the potential for change
is significant. Eventually these efforts will lead to a society that will
35 A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN TEXAS