Make a move: A comprehensive effect evaluation of a sexual harassment prevention program in Dutch residential youth care

Sanne van Lieshout*, Fraukje E F Mevissen, Gerard van Breukelen, Marianne Jonker, Robert A C Ruiter

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Sexual harassment-unwanted sexual comments, advances, or behaviors-and sexual violence are still prevalent worldwide, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems among those being harassed. In particular, youth in care are at risk of becoming perpetrators (and victims) of sexual harassment. However, in general, there are very few interventions targeting this at-risk group, and no such programs exist in the Netherlands. To this end, a group intervention program-Make a Move-targeting determinants of sexual harassment was developed. This program was implemented and evaluated among boys (N = 177) in Dutch residential youth care (20 institutions). A pre-test, post-test, and 6-month follow-up design including an intervention and a waiting list control group with randomized assignment of institutions (cluster randomized trial) was used to measure the effects of the intervention on determinants of sexual harassment. Multilevel (mixed) regression analysis with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (α = .005) showed no significant effects of Make a Move on determinants of sexual harassment (ps > .03, Cohen's ds < .44). Results are discussed in light of a three-way explanatory model focusing on intervention content, evaluation, and implementation as potential explanations for not finding any measurable intervention effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1772-1800
Number of pages29
JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume34
Issue number9
Early online date27 Jun 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • sexual harassment
  • prevention
  • intervention
  • effect evaluation
  • youth care
  • DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION
  • RISK
  • VICTIMIZATION
  • PREDICTORS
  • ATTITUDES
  • ABUSE
  • PERPETRATION
  • RESPONSES
  • BEHAVIOR
  • GENDER

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