Home-based settings are good places to bring together family members to talk about sexual assault prevention. Families can work together to have good communication and trust so that members feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Families can also provide support to each other as victims of sexual assault. For example, parents or guardians can teach their children communication skills or help build their confidence in interacting with other children or adults. Home-based settings are important because individuals spend so much time in their homes or with their families. It is critical that children feel safe in their homes and with their families and that parents feel confident in their relationships with their children. Sexual assault interventions in home-based settings can require a lot of time and resources to reach as many people as possible.
Home-based interventions work best when used with interventions in other settings:
- Community-based settings: families of victims can advocate for legislation to prevent or stop sexual assault
- School-based settings: schools can provide information to parents on how to protect their children by teaching sexual assault prevention skills
- Worksite-based settings: worksite can provide flex-time policies so individuals can go to training on sexual assault prevention
- Health care facility-based settings: health care providers can give tailored feedback to individuals and families on sexual assault prevention
- Faith-based settings: faith-based leaders can teach community members ways to prevent or stop sexual assault
Things to consider for home-based interventions:
- Home-based settings are good places to get emotional support, particularly for victims of sexual assault.
- In settings outside of the home, individuals may find it difficult to participate. For example, individuals may not have transportation, they may have schedule conflicts, or they may not have childcare. Sexual assault interventions in the home can help overcome these challenges for individuals and families.
- Sexual assault interventions in home-based settings are very helpful for individuals who are unable to be part of interventions in other settings, such as individuals with physical or mental disabilities or limited mobility.
- In home-base settings, parents or other family members can help to role model appropriate sexual behaviors.
- Internet-based sexual assault interventions are more popular now, particularly for those living in rural areas or those who with disabilities or limited mobility. Yet, some individuals may not have access to computers or the Internet in their homes.
- Internet-based decision tools are useful, interactive ways to inform individuals about sexual assault prevention without having to leave their homes.