Evaluating a school program to prevent child sexual abuse for young children
CE21-006 - Evaluation of the school-based Healthy Relationships Project for primary prevention of child sexual abuse among children pre-K through 5th grade
This study is looking at how well the Healthy Relationships Project helps young kids in pre-K through 5th grade learn about safe and healthy relationships to prevent child sexual abuse, and it's being tested in schools in Washington, DC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the Healthy Relationships Project, a school-based program aimed at preventing child sexual abuse among children from pre-K through 5th grade. The program has been implemented in various schools and focuses on educating children about healthy relationships and protective behaviors. The evaluation will use a mixed-methods stepped wedge randomized trial design involving 16 public charter schools in high-need areas of Washington, DC, to assess the program's impact on children's knowledge and behaviors related to sexual abuse prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children enrolled in pre-K through 5th grade in participating public charter schools in Washington, DC.
Not a fit: Children outside the pre-K to 5th grade age range or those not enrolled in the participating schools may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the safety and well-being of children by improving their understanding of healthy relationships and protective behaviors against sexual abuse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous evaluations of similar school-based programs have shown improvements in children's protective behaviors and knowledge, although changes in the incidence of child sexual abuse have not been consistently demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molnar, Beth Ellen — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Molnar, Beth Ellen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.