SafeBAE’s latest research, published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, validates the critical role of student leadership and data-driven programming in addressing the evolving challenges of child victimization and dating violence prevention.

by Ella O’Neal

Redefining Prevention: Our Impact

For years, we’ve known the importance of putting students at the forefront of our work. When SafeBAE started, we set out to prove that young people are not just participants but leaders in preventing dating violence. And now, we have groundbreaking evidence to back us up. Published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, our research—Co-authored by our Executive Director, Shael Norris, along with our research partners Dr. Lindsay Orchowski and Dr. Pratchi Bhuptani from Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, and Lifespan Hospital—proves that our approach isn’t just effective; it’s revolutionary.

“This publication is significant because no other organization is doing what we’re doing,” says Shael Norris. “No one else is putting this kind of data-driven spotlight on the transformative power of student leadership in the fight against child victimization. We’ve always believed in the power of young voices, but now we have the data to back it up.”

While many focus on adult-led initiatives, our approach centers on student voices, recognizing them as powerful agents of change. We’ve watched countless students take a stand, lead discussions, and demand better from their schools and communities. And now, we have the data to prove that their involvement is not only impactful—it’s critical to the success of these programs. It’s one thing to believe in your mission; it’s another to have research in a respected academic journal confirm it. This is a huge win not just for us, but for every student who has taken a stand and every young person who now knows their voice truly matters.

How SafeBAE’s Research is Redefining School-Based Prevention

When it comes to preventing dating violence and sexual assault, one thing is clear: students are more likely to listen to their peers than to adults. That’s why SafeBAE has always prioritized student-led initiatives, and the recent publication in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse proves that this approach works.

Traditional, adult-centric models often fall short because they don’t resonate with young people. Our research shows that when students are given leadership roles, they create a culture of accountability and empathy that peers are more likely to embrace. This is a powerful model for other schools looking to address dating violence and child victimization in ways that are sustainable and impactful.

Our youth-led programs are designed to empower students to become leaders in their own schools and communities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and their peers. These aren’t just one-time workshops; they’re comprehensive training sessions that turn students into Certified Peer Educators. From leading classroom discussions to creating social media campaigns, these young leaders take what they’ve learned and spread it to their peers, making a real, measurable impact.

The published study shows that students involved in SafeBAE’s programs reported significant increases in their understanding of consent, their ability to support survivors, and a decrease in attitudes that condone coercive behaviors. This is groundbreaking because it demonstrates that when young people are given the platform and tools to lead, they can transform their school environments in ways that adult-driven models simply cannot.

Take, for example, our Certified Peer Educator Training. Students who complete this program aren’t just absorbing information; they’re becoming advocates who take this knowledge back to their schools, challenging harmful norms and supporting a culture of respect and safety. The data shows that this kind of student leadership is crucial for effective prevention—because it’s students who know best how to reach other students.

 Schools and organizations now have concrete evidence that involving students in leadership roles can significantly improve the effectiveness of prevention programs. SafeBAE’s approach—equipping students with the skills to educate their peers, advocate for safer environments, and challenge harmful behaviors—can and should be replicated on a larger scale.

This study provides a blueprint for schools nationwide. It’s a call to action for educators, administrators, and policy makers to recognize the power of student leadership in transforming school cultures and reducing violence. We’ve shown what’s possible; now it’s time for others to follow suit.

SafeBAE’s Programs in Action

One of the standout examples of SafeBAE’s effective programming is the success observed through their 2019 youth-led sexual violence prevention summit. Held over a single day, this event brought together students from 14 different high schools to participate in an intensive workshop designed to educate and empower young people on issues such as consent, supporting survivors, and understanding their rights under Title IX. The results were profound.

Participants reported significant improvements in their knowledge of consent, understanding of how to support survivors, and awareness of available resources. The summit was not just a one-off event; it marked the beginning of a ripple effect of change in the communities involved. Many attendees went back to their schools equipped not just with knowledge, but with a newfound confidence to advocate for safer environments and foster conversations that challenge harmful behaviors.

For example, one high school student who attended the summit shared how the event changed her perspective: “Before the summit, I didn’t realize how prevalent these issues were in my own school. The training didn’t just teach me how to help others; it made me feel empowered to be a part of the solution. We started a peer-led group at our school right after, and it’s already making a difference.”

This kind of direct feedback and proactive student engagement is exactly what sets SafeBAE apart. Most traditional violence prevention programs are designed and delivered by adults, often without the input of the very students they aim to help. As a result, these programs can feel disconnected and fail to resonate with youth who are navigating complex social environments. SafeBAE flips this model on its head by placing students at the core of their efforts—giving them the tools, voice, and platform to lead the change.

What’s even more compelling is that while many prevention programs struggle to maintain their impact beyond the initial training, SafeBAE’s summit led to lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors. Participants not only increased their knowledge but also reported a decreased likelihood of engaging in coercive behaviors, highlighting the summit’s effectiveness in shifting mindsets around consent and interpersonal interactions.

In a landscape where many prevention efforts have failed to make a significant dent, SafeBAE’s youth-led model offers a promising, evidence-backed approach that schools can’t afford to ignore. 

Why Every School Needs SafeBAE: A Research-Backed Solution

By integrating SafeBAE’s programming, schools aren’t just adopting a new curriculum—they’re joining a movement. Our evidence-based strategies have been recognized by some of the most respected professionals in the field, and our methodology is setting new standards for what effective prevention looks like. We’ve seen firsthand how students become passionate advocates for change when they’re given the tools and support they need to lead. This research now provides schools with the confidence that they are implementing a program with a proven track record of making real, measurable change.

The stakes are high and the consequences of inaction are dire. Schools need more than just a checkbox approach to prevention. They need a partner who understands the complexity of these issues and has the data to back up their impact. That’s what SafeBAE offers: a comprehensive, student-driven program that has been endorsed by experts and validated by research. Our programs don’t just teach students about safety—they empower them to create it, with customizable options to fit the unique needs and challenges of every school community.

Now is the time to bring SafeBAE’s proven strategies to your school. Join us in redefining what effective prevention looks like and in creating a safer, more supportive environment for every student. Because when it comes to protecting our youth, we can’t afford to wait.

To read the full publication and explore our other efficacy data, please visit: SafeBAE Data Reports

Interested in bringing SafeBAE programming to your school? Email our Executive Director, Shael Norris, directly at shael@safebae.org.

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