Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that harms individuals, communities, and society. Prevention requires more than awareness—it demands research-driven strategies that address the root causes, challenge harmful norms, and promote safer environments. At the Kinsey Institute, we study the factors that contribute to sexual violence, the effectiveness of prevention programs, and the role of education in fostering consent and healthy relationships.
Sexual Violence Research
What we study
- Prevalence and impact of sexual violence
- Prevention strategies and intervention effectiveness
- Consent education and communication
- Victim support and recovery
- Perpetration risk factors and behaviors
- Legal frameworks
Sexual Assault Research Initiative
The Kinsey Institute's Sexual Assault Research Initiative works to address sexual assault across populations and settings, examining factors such as consent, coercion, victim experiences, and risk factors for perpetration with the goal of improving prevention strategies and reducing sexual violence.
Recent publications on sexual violence
Additional resources
- Learn more about our work related to trauma