An American model that prevents violence and reduces risk among children will be tested in Sweden. The method has shown a positive effect on exposure to violence among children and young people in the USA.
The Crime Prevention Council (Brå) has identified that the Dating Matters violence prevention program has reduced exposure to violence and sexual harassment. It has also reduced the involvement of young Americans in violence and other forms of crime, as well as reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The model will now be tested in a Swedish context.
With the support of the Family Law and Parental Support Authority, the Swedish School Administration and the county administrative boards, the Equality Authority will identify which municipalities wish to participate in the test round. The results of the pilot will be evaluated and reported to the government.
Based on a proven American model
The Dating Matters violence prevention model was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American equivalent of the Public Health Agency. The content is based on research about preventing violence and risk-taking among young people, and is particularly aimed at students, parents, as well as school and recreation staff for grades 5-6.
The model has seven components, or modules, that work together to increase protection and reduce risk factors for violence in young people’s intimate relationships at an individual, relationship and community level. It is based on research that regular messages in different areas strengthen the resistance of children and young people to violence in intimate relationships.
Helping children to form secure relationships
The goal is to combat violence in intimate relationships by strengthening middle school students’ knowledge of safe relationships. As part of this, the children learn social skills, and use their ability to express and manage emotions. The long-term goal of preventing violence in young people’s relationships is to increase the conditions for a violence-free life.
American publisher Dating Matters will have a new name in the United States. In Sweden, the model will get its own name in the spring of 2024. A website with adapted materials for middle school students and nearby adults is planned to be available for the most municipalities. autumn 2025.
The short procedure
The American model which is now to be adapted to the Swedish context has many strengths.
- Regular messages: The model is a combination of coordinated efforts from different areas of the city intended for one and the same target group (age 11-12).
- All levels: It includes interventions on all parts of the socio-ecological model, which looks after the entire living environment – from the individual to society.
- Universal input: By working in promotion and prevention with all children and young people, a larger group of those who develop problems will be reached – compared to if we only work with risk groups of children and young people who are exposed to or using violence.
- Evidence: The model shows a positive effect and is built on the basis of the best knowledge available in the field. The CDC is a government agency and its work is led by researchers and experts in the field of men’s violence against women.
- Free: CDC is a public actor and does not make money from the model. This increases access to Swedish cities that do not have to pay for permits, tools and materials.
- Early intervention: The model responds to the need for evidence-based action, which prevents violence for younger ages, of which there are few in Sweden. It is now being added to what is going on from pre-school upwards for children aged 11-12.
- Inclusion: The model deals with several aspects of violence in young people’s close relationships, such as violence related to honor and oppression. It includes LGBTQ perspectives and has a gender-bending approach.
- Well adapted: The model includes guidance for the entire force chain, including guidance for implementation and follow-up. It corresponds to the areas of responsibility and efforts within the city administrations, and it works as a tool to help those who are already working with the prevention of violence in a city.
Connections
Description of American publisher Dating Matters
A short film describing the contents of the toolbox
Mission of the Equality Authority
In 2022, the government commissioned the Equality Authority to translate, adapt and evaluate the evidence-based violence prevention program Dating Matters.
Within the framework of the assignment, we must plan how the program will be managed, updated and – depending on the impact of the program – distributed to other cities and to individual principals.
No later than 1 October 2025, we must send a consolidated report of the specification to the Government Office.
Do you have questions or are you interested in finding out more? Contact the inspector Lisa Lindström, who coordinates the work.
Email address: [email protected]
2024-04-19 09:40:57
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