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Improving School Environments for Preventing Sexual Violence Among LGBTQ+ Youth*
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3 2024
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Source: J Sch Health. 94(3):243-250
[PDF-87.92 KB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:J Sch Health
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Description:BACKGROUND:
Sexual violence (SV) is a serious public health concern, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth report higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. This qualitative study aimed to understand LGBTQ+ students’ perspectives on how middle and high school environments can better prevent and address SV.
METHODS:
In partnership with a school-based LGBTQ+ support group in Washington State, we recruited 31 LGTBQ+ students ages 13–18 for virtual interviews (n = 24) and for providing text-based answers to interview questions (n = 7). We used inductive thematic analysis to analyze data and identify themes.
RESULTS:
To prevent and respond to SV, students highlighted schools having: (1) access to gender-neutral spaces; (2) LGBTQ+ competency training for staff; (3) enforcement of school policies (eg, SV, anti-bullying) and accountability; (4) LGBTQ+-competent mental health support; and (5) comprehensive sexual health education that addresses LGBTQ+ relationships and SV.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY:
Students expressed the need for changes in school physical and social environments to address SV among LGBTQ+ youth.
CONCLUSIONS:
Incorporating youth perspectives, particularly LGBTQ+ youth at high risk of SV, can help schools implement strategies that are supported by youth and thus potentially more sustainable and effective.
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Pubmed ID:37859302
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC11724704
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Volume:94
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Issue:3
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