“It doesn't take much:” Dissemination of Violence Prevention Messaging by High School Athletes on Girls' Sports Teams

Abstract

Efforts to prevent sexual violence are increasingly focused on community-level programming and change, rather than intervention at the individual level. Such programs often rely on dissemination of prevention messaging by community influencers or leaders. Research shows athletes often occupy this role within high school environments and thus can be powerful messengers for social change – but less is known about the role of female athletes as messengers for violence prevention. This study explores participant dissemination of Athletes As Leaders, a sexual violence prevention program specifically designed for female-identified high school athletes. In qualitative interviews, athlete participants identified three primary dissemination strategies (sharing a message, intervening, and role modeling), as well as barriers and facilitators experience in the process.