Promising Practices in Addressing Sexual and Homophobic Harassment and Violence in Schools: A Review of Policy and Programs in Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the U.K

Background: Recent research has highlighted the prevalence of both peer-to-peer sexual and homophobic harassment and violence both within and outside of schools. This study aimed to provide a cumulative picture of what is being done in schools (programs and policy) to address sexual and homophobic harassment and violence in Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Methods: This study utilized a systematic review approach to examine promising practices and policies published from 2005 to 2011 in peer-reviewed journal articles, research reports, policy documents and 'grey literature'. Over 2,000 articles and documents were accessed through databases, hand searches of additional journals, reference lists of identified relevant studies and through requests for reports and articles from researchers and experts in the field.

Findings: Promising practices were identified in six areas and this presentation will include case studies and key factors from each of these: a) Overarching school policies b) Prevention programs/curriculum in school settings c) Inter-agency work to prevent sexual and homophobic violence in school settings d) Staff support, training and development on sexual and homophobic violence e) Follow-up/referral systems and responding to the child or young person experiencing sexual and homophobic violence, and f) Addressing behaviors of children and young people who engage in sexual and homophobic violent behaviors in school settings.

Conclusions: This review highlights that there is exciting and promising work being done to address sexual and homophobic violence in school settings and seeks to add to international learning on this topic.