Impact of a School-Based Dating Violence Prevention Program among Latino Teens: Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial

Abstract 

Purpose

Given the high rate of dating violence between teens and associated deleterious outcomes, the need for effective prevention and early intervention programs is clear. Break the Cycle’s Ending Violence curriculum, a three-class-session prevention program focused on legal issues, is evaluated here for its impact on Latino/a youth.

Methods

Tracks within large urban high schools that had at least 80% Latino/a students were randomized to immediate or delayed curriculum. Classrooms were randomly selected within tracks and individual student outcomes were assessed pre- and postintervention and six months later.

Results

Students in intervention classrooms showed improved knowledge, less acceptance of female-on-male aggression, and enhanced perception of the helpfulness and likelihood of seeking assistance from a number of sources immediately after the program. Improved knowledge and perceived helpfulness of an attorney were maintained six months later. There were no differences in recent abusive/fearful dating experiences or violence victimization or perpetration.

Conclusions

The Ending Violence curriculum has an impact on teen norms, knowledge, and help-seeking proclivities that may aid in early intervention for dating violence among Latino/a students.

Keywords: Dating violence, Adolescence, Latino, Prevention, Effectiveness