Rape-prevention programs that try to teach bystanders how to intervene and stop an assault have been gaining momentum in recent years, but are facing fresh questions.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) – Rape-prevention programs that try to teach bystanders how to intervene and stop an assault have been gaining momentum in recent years, but are facing fresh questions.
Some victim advocates say they don’t do enough, though emerging research suggests they can be effective. And program supporters fear that a recent move by the U. S. Department of Education that rolled-back Obama-era sexual assault rules will have a chilling effect on the program’s larger goal of involving whole communities in the effort to discourage harassment and assault.
An Associated Press analysis found bystanders are present in about 30 percent of cases of rape, threat of rape or unwanted sexual contact. In just over one third of those cases the actions of the bystanders helped, often by scaring off the assailant in some way.
