Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book analyses historical and emerging sexual violence prevention efforts noting the considerable conceptual advances that have been made, while being candid about limitations characterizing the evidentiary base for even the most promising efforts to date. It offers some specific ideas which have been culled from effective attitude and behavior change strategies in diverse social justice and behavioral domains. The book briefly introduces the central legislative and executive actions bearing on sexual assault reporting, education, and programming among institutions of higher learning on college campuses. Certainly, these legislative acts are crucial in establishing a formal responsibility and set of obligations that institutions of higher learning are required to heed in an effort to protect students from sexual violence. They offer guidance as to what should be included in awareness and prevention programs, how they should be structured and disseminated, and how they might be evaluated.