Prevention Connection: An online "community of practice" to advance primary prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence

Prevention Connection is an online national project of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention Connection is an online community of prevention practitioners, researchers, public health practitioners and others committed to the primary prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence. In this session, results of surveys and interviews with Prevention Connection participants demonstrate the value of this online community to advance community-based practice to prevent sexual violence and IPV. Prevention Connection uses online technologies such as web conferences, email groups, blogs, wikis and podcasts to translate research to support the development, implementation and evaluation of IPV and sexual violence prevention programs. The innovative use of technology such as Twitter and wikis has build a dynamic online community. In 2009, Prevention Connection conducted an evaluation of its activities, including an online survey of 209 participants, interviews with participants, reviews of online materials, and results from surveys of individual online events. As a "Community of Practice," Prevention Connection has demonstrated how it has expanded networks of prevention practitioners, linked research with practice, and supported improved prevention practice.