TDH Booklet4 - Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

Plan for Action
Plan for Action
RESOURCES, RESEARCH, and DATA
Texans must have access to and utilize effectively, a multitude
of resources, research and data in order to stop sexual assault,
domestic violence and stalking.
Significance:
A public health approach to prevention applies strategies that
demonstrate cost effective benefits for the most people possible in
the community at large. Designing, implementing and evaluating
prevention efforts based on the best information available cannot
be overemphasized in trying to end violence against women in
Texas. Every step of the public health prevention model defining the
problem, identifying risk and protective factors, developing and
testing prevention efforts, adopting and disseminating effective
strategies rely on data and evidence. Only then can resources be
used most effectively.
Current Status:
In Texas as elsewhere, big gaps in rigorous research,
evaluation, and data collection make effective prevention efforts
difficult to define or implement. Although many stakeholders
engage in primary prevention efforts, few activities in the state
currently emphasize culturally appropriate research and data
collection. A survey of Texas organizations and clinics conducted as
part of this strategic planning process found the majority of the
almost 350 respondents do not engage in research or data
collection. 91 Nonetheless, momentum seems to be gaining in
recognizing the importance of directing resources toward these
activities. 92
Researchers recently conducted the first statewide evidencebased
prevalence and awareness studies in Texas for both sexual
assault and domestic violence with important implications for
defining and ending these complex problems. 93 Notably, both
surveys included important information about specific ethnic and
age groups in the state, making them a good starting point for
future research.
Within Texas, well-respected university researchers and
institutes contribute significantly to current information regarding
risk and protective factors for potential victimization and
perpetration, as well as the potential for health care professionals
39 A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN TEXAS