Although we live in a society where SEXualized content IS EVERYWHERE, adults are often skittish talking about sex with young people. The resulting ignorance fuels rape culture. In response, Prepare Violence Prevention Curriculum integrates Sex and Sexuality Education. It is a winning formula to raise resiliency and reduce vulnerability to sexual exploitation, violation, and violence.
Groundbreaking research conducted by Charlene Senn makes a compelling case that college rape prevention programs that include emancipatory sex education work best for dramatically reducing assault. Therefore, Prepare has been integrating Our Whole Lives (OWL) sex education curriculum into its middle and upper school Violence Prevention Workshops series.
Why is emancipatory sex education a critical part of Violence Prevention Education for young people? When these sex and sexuality class plans are done well, group norms change in a community to actively dismantle Rape Culture and promote Consent Culture. By fostering conversations that are person centered, young people gain accurate information that helps them make better decisions and lowers risk-taking. Informed consent requires understanding what you are saying “yes” or “no” to do. It reinforces the ability to be authentic in your choices and resist pressure to “go along to get along.” And, the lessons connect to and have application across other social and emotional wellness programs.
The topics include: body image, positive qualities of friendship and romantic relationships, body boundaries, and accurate information about puberty and biology. Human values lie at the center of each and every conversation. OWL sends the message that sex and sexuality are important parts of the human experience and we are responsible to ourselves and others to honor, respect, and protect each other in friendships and romantic relationships.