Many programs working with adults to address issues of gender-based violence teach their participants to identify behavior patterns of healthy and unhealthy relationships. A middle school pregnancy prevention program in New York has integrated this concept and strategy into group and class curricula. This program deems that a strong foundation in identifying healthy and unhealthy character traits in partners are essential skills for the development of healthy relationships and sexuality. Learning to identify warning signs of unhealthy relationships are considered equally important as learning about physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. The integration of gender based-violence could prove to be an effective strategy to the primary prevention of teen pregnancy and other high risk sexual behaviors.
Learning Objectives: To discuss the adaptation of adult gender-based violence indicators into middle school sexuality edcuation programs. To assess the effectiveness of integrating gender based violence indicators into middle school education.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Community Health and Education Program, Community Based Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.