“You’re Worth Defending”: Perceptions of Empowerment Self-Defense Sexual Violence Prevention Among Indigenous Elementary-Aged Youth

• In Event: Empowerment Approaches to Preventing Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities

Abstract

Sexual violence is a pervasive social issue, which disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and has been linked to historical traumas such as colonization and racism. Despite various efforts to address the issue, high rates of sexual violence persist among Indigenous populations. Further, there is little research on how to prevent sexual violence among Indigenous populations. Therefore, researchers drew from theoretical and empirical scholarship on the role of empowerment self-defense in the prevention of sexual violence and implemented IMpower United, a culturally adapted sexual violence prevention program in an Indian Reservation in the Northern Great Plains. Accordingly, this study examined Indigenous youths’ perceptions of participating in IMpower United after each session. The study relied on anonymous, qualitative survey data collected from elementary-aged youth between 3rd and 5th grade (n = 372). Researchers conducted thematic analysis and utilized an iterative process to examine themes across youth’s perception of the IMpower program. Results revealed that elementary youth reported positive experiences, including a sense of empowerment, self-confidence, and cultural validation. These findings highlight the benefits of culturally adapted prevention efforts in combating sexual violence among Indigenous populations.

Authors

• Melissa French-Sloan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Cassandra Saucedo, University of Nebraska

• Geonasha Agbeletey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Stephanie Lim, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Michigan State University

• Katie M. Edwards, University of Nebraska-Lincoln