Understanding the Context of Sexual Violence Prevention in Vietnam
Sexual violence is a pervasive issue globally, and Vietnam is no exception. A recent study titled "Preventing Sexual Violence in Vietnam: Qualitative Findings from High School, University, and Civil Society Key Informants Across Regions" provides valuable insights into the implementation of sexual violence prevention programs in youth-focused organizations. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or by encouraging further research.
Key Findings from the Research
The study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore the facilitators and barriers to implementing the GlobalConsent program, a web-based sexual violence prevention intervention tailored for university men in Hanoi. The research involved interviews with key informants from high schools, universities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) across Vietnam.
Outer Setting Influences
One significant finding was the coexistence of more open sexual norms among young people alongside traditional gender norms that favor men's sexual privilege. This duality may normalize non-consent and sexual coercion among young people. Additionally, the study highlighted the ambiguity and poor implementation of laws on sexual violence, suggesting a need for prevention programs that raise awareness of legal definitions and promote empathy for victims.
Inner Setting Influences
Institutional cultures varied in their openness to discuss sexual violence and prevailing gender norms. Limited funding, departmental coordination, and competing demands on time among students and teachers were identified as barriers to program implementation. However, supportive institutional leaders and student-facing staff were seen as influential in championing program implementation.
Characteristics of Individuals and Interventions
Individuals with subject-matter expertise, science or social science training, and more contemporary attitudes about sex were considered important for successful implementation. The study also emphasized the importance of tailoring intervention content to different age groups and incorporating peer education and incentives to engage students effectively.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners looking to implement or scale sexual violence prevention programs can draw several lessons from this research:
- Engage external subject-matter experts to address low legal knowledge and misperceptions of sexual violence prevalence.
- Train internal champions in program implementation and provide ongoing technical support.
- Protect the time of trained staff to ensure implementation fidelity and promote open discussions.
- Address competing demands on students' time through school-based orientations, regular reminders, and incentives.
Conclusion
Implementing sexual violence prevention programs in youth-focused organizations in Vietnam requires multilevel strategies that connect outer-setting organizational allies and subject-matter experts with supportive inner-setting leaders and student-facing champions. Understanding the costs of implementing at scale efficacious interventions is also crucial for sustained implementation in low- and middle-income countries.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Preventing sexual violence in Vietnam: qualitative findings from high school, university, and civil society key informants across regions.
