Expect Respect Middle School Randomized Trial

Expect Respect Middle School: Preventing Serious and Lethal Violence Among Youth With Prior Violence Exposure

This cluster-randomized school-based study will examine the effectiveness of a teen dating violence (TDV) and sexual violence (SV) prevention program called Expect Respect for preventing serious violence perpetration among middle school students.

This cluster-randomized controlled school-based study will examine the effectiveness of a support group-based teen dating violence (TDV) and sexual violence (SV) prevention program on the primary prevention of serious (and potentially lethal) violence perpetration among middle school students (both male and female-identified) who have prior exposure to trauma and violence. Expect Respect gender-specific support groups are for youth with prior history of exposure to violence including witnessing domestic violence, loss of loved one to homicide, TDV, and SV.

Expect Respect is a theory and research-informed program intended to alter norms condoning violence and rigid gender expectations that foster violence perpetration, promote bystander intervention, and reduce TDV/SV perpetration. Implemented by trained facilitators, the 24-session curriculum focuses on gender equity and respect, recognizing abuse and impact on self and others, regulating emotions, skills for healthy relationships, and becoming active proponents of safe and healthy relationships.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be in grades 7-8
• Participants must be referred by school personnel
• Participants must speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not in 7th- 8th grade
• Not referred to the group by school personnel
• Does not speak English