Assessing the long-term effects of the Safe Dates program and a booster in preventing and reducing adolescent dating violence victimization and perpetration

Am J Public Health. 2004 Apr;94(4):619-24. doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.4.619.

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined 4-year postintervention effects of Safe Dates on dating violence, booster effects, and moderators of the program effects.

Methods: We gathered baseline data in 10 schools that were randomly allocated to a treatment condition. We collected follow-up data 1 month after the program and then yearly thereafter for 4 years. Between the 2- and 3-year follow-ups, a randomly selected half of treatment adolescents received a booster.

Results: Compared with controls, adolescents receiving Safe Dates reported significantly less physical, serious physical, and sexual dating violence perpetration and victimization 4 years after the program. The booster did not improve the effectiveness of Safe Dates.

Conclusions: Safe Dates shows promise for preventing dating violence but the booster should not be used.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Adolescent Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Courtship*
  • Crime Victims
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • North Carolina / epidemiology
  • Periodicals as Topic
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Health
  • Safety Management / organization & administration
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence / prevention & control*
  • Violence / psychology
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data