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healthy sexuality

Sexual violence prevention focuses on healthy sexuality as a core prevention message. Sexual violence often occurs as a result of unhealthy sexual norms in our culture: the ways we assume men, women, and others are supposed to act, objectifying people, the way our culture sees sex, and a general acceptance – and even expectation – of sexual violence. All of these are known risk factors for the perpetration of sexual violence. ​
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Many of the messages of healthy sexuality may be protective factors against sexual assault. These messages include knowledge of bodies and boundaries, comfort with one's own sexuality, and recognizing and respecting consent. These ideas help shape new messages and cultural norms about sexuality and sexual violence.

Healthy sexuality can play an important role in sexual violence prevention education across the lifespan. Additionally, healthy sexuality can be integrated into the healing process for survivors of sexual violence, as a way for survivors to enhance their own sense of control of their bodies and sexuality.

Healthy sexuality is emotional, social, cultural, and physical, yet it has not often been addressed openly and honestly in our culture. New resources are being developed and efforts are being made to change this norm. As our culture makes strides toward effectively addressing healthy sexuality, we build the foundation for creating a safe and violence-free world.

Learn More
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National Sexual Violence Resource Center Healthy Sexuality Resources
This collection has numerous fact sheets, bibliographies, and other resources relating to sexual violence and healthy sexuality. 

Healthy Sexuality for Sexual Violence Prevention
This report, published in 2011 by the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, addresses the top curriculum-based healthy sexuality programs. Produced by Virginia’s Healthy Sexuality Workgroup, which is charged with finding links between primary sexual violence prevention and sexual health promotion, determining each field’s evidence base, and discussing how to best deliver the vital information offered by both fields to youth in Virginia.

Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States
SIECUS provides education and information about sexuality and sexual and reproductive health. They also publish the national comprehensive sexuality education guidelines.
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The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault is funded in part by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, MaineShare, the Bingham Foundation, and the generous support of your public and private donations. 
Call 1-800-871-7741 to talk to someone who can help. Free, private support is available 24/7.

MECASA represents and supports Maine's sexual assault support centers.
  • Home
  • Get Help
    • Maine Sexual Assault Support Centers
    • Answers to Your Questions
    • Resources
    • Legal Help
  • Our Work
    • Mission + Efforts
    • Our Programs
    • Preventing Sexual Violence >
      • Primary Prevention
      • Healthy Sexuality
      • Engaging Men + Boys
      • Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
    • Public Policy
    • MECASA Resources >
      • Rape Kits in Maine
    • Our Staff
    • For Media
    • Job Openings
  • Stats
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • En Español