Healthy Relationships Project helps protect tweens from sexual abuse
Official title: CE25-026 - Evaluation of the school-based Healthy Relationships Project for primary prevention of child sexual abuse and problematic sexual behaviors among youth in 7th and 8th grades
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11422053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide school program is being tested in 7th–8th graders to prevent child sexual abuse and problematic sexual behaviors.
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 start | September 30, 2025 |
| Project end | September 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CE003739-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are 7th and 8th grade students in participating schools and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Students or schools not enrolled in the participating districts may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a comprehensive, school-based curriculum called SAFE-T, plus an internet-safety component for caregivers, using a stepped-wedge design to measure impact over time. It aims to reduce risky behaviors and exposure to abuse by teaching protective skills and online safety. The study is conducted in middle schools and involves collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, now expanding to multiple states. Participation would involve schools delivering the curriculum and collecting education outcomes from students and educators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse and PSB among youth through proven, scalable school programs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous school-based programs showed improved protective knowledge and behaviors but not changes in CSA incidence, making this evaluation important to establish real-world impact.
Where this research is happening
-
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.