title: An Online Bystander Intervention Program for the Prevention of Sexual Violence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Because of its high prevalence and serious consequences for victims, sexual violence is a significant problem on college campuses. Sexual assault prevention programs based on the bystander intervention model have been shown to be effective; however, current programs are limited in terms of ease of distribution. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated "Take Care," an online bystander intervention program. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical evaluation of an online bystander intervention program designed to prevent sexual violence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-three participants (80.6% female, 19.4% male) recruited from social psychology classes at a mid-size university were randomly assigned to view one of two online programs: Take Care or a control program on study skills. Before viewing the programs, participants completed measures of bystander behaviors and feelings of efficacy for performing such behaviors. Measures were administered again post-intervention and at a two-month follow-up assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who viewed Take Care reported greater efficacy for engaging in bystander behaviors at post-treatment and two months following treatment, compared to those who viewed the control program. In addition, participants who viewed Take Care reported performing relatively more bystander behaviors for friends at the two-month follow-up assessment, compared to participants who viewed the control program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that sexual violence prevention programs may be effectively adapted to an online format.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kleinsasser
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University.
authors.forename: Ernest N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Jouriles
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University.
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosenfield
keywords: bystander behavior; college students; online intervention; prevention programs; sexual violence