Rape Prevention Education Program
What Is Rape Prevention Education (RPE)
Rape is a crime of violence and control—and Montana, despite its rural status, is not immune to this crime. In 2009, 325 sexual assaults were reported to the Montana Board of Crime Control. Since rape is acknowledged as one of the most under-reported crimes, most researchers see these numbers as conservative estimates.
To assist Montana in ending sexual violence, the state has applied to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (since 1996) to receive Rape Prevention Education (RPE) funds; however, it wasn’t until 2006 that the state focused its funds on primary prevention. Since 2006, the goal of Montana’s RPE Program has been to reduce the statewide incidence of sexual violence through primary prevention efforts focused on influencing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of those most at risk to perpetrate.
DEFINITIONS
Defining Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is a sex act completed or attempted against a victim's will or when a victim is unable to consent due to age, illness, disability, or the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It may involve actual or threatened physical force, use of guns or other weapons, coercion, intimidation or pressure. Sexual violence also includes intentional touching of the genitals, anus, groin, or breast against a victim's will or when a victim is unable to consent, as well as voyeurism, exposure to exhibitionism, or undesired exposure to pornography.
Defining Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention focuses on preventing sexual violence crimes before they occur. Primary prevention efforts include community organizing around gender equality issues, policy creation and revision to reflect gender equity, education on several levels based on healthy relationships and awareness activities that support healthy relationships and respect.
Legislatively Approved Uses for RPE Funds
The RPE program is committed to the following legislatively approved activities:- Primary prevention training programs for professionals;
- Preparation of primary prevention informational material;
- Workshops for K-12 students and college students as well as school personnel designed to reduce the incidence of sexual assault among our student populations;
- Other efforts to increase awareness to help prevent sexual assault, including efforts to increase awareness in underserved communities and among individuals with disabilities;
- Coalition building;
- Community mobilization;
- Policy and norms change.
Montana Partners
Montana's Prevention Strategy
Montana Education And Awareness
Montana Law
Montana Sexual Assault Data
Helping Victims
How You Can Help End Sexual Violence
Montana's Prevention Plan
For further information, contact Laurie Kops at 1-406-444-2457, lkops@mt.gov.
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
