The Role and Effectiveness of Sex Education in Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention

• In Event: Roundtable: Teaching about Crime & Justice

Abstract

This study explores the role of sex education in preventing and identifying child sexual abuse by evaluating the effectiveness of various educational models. While research suggests that comprehensive sex education reduces victimization and encourages protective behaviors, many curricula exclude critical topics such as consent, bodily autonomy, and abuse reporting. Using a mixed-methods approach, this project will survey Tennessee college students aged 18–22 about their sex education experiences and current knowledge of abuse-related topics. Crime data from all 50 states will be analyzed to examine correlations between curriculum comprehensiveness and child sex crime rates. A content analysis of state curricula will categorize the inclusion of abuse prevention content. The study hypothesizes that students who received structured, age-appropriate sex education are more likely to recognize, understand, and report abuse. While states with less comprehensive education may show greater knowledge gaps among young people and potentially higher rates of child sexual abuse, this will be examined by analyzing sex crime rates per capita and comparing them against curriculum strength. By bridging gaps between policy, education, and public safety, this project aims to inform improvements in sex education and promote a more informed population.

Authors

• Melissa Guinn, Middle Tennessee State University

• Rachel E. Davis, Middle Tennessee State University