| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080780 | Journal of Adolescent Health | 2006 | 11 Pages |
PurposeGiven 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.MethodsTracks 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.ResultsStudents 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.ConclusionsThe 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.
