Reducing Sexual Assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy: Adaptation, Implementation, and Evaluation of the Sexual Communication and Consent Program

The Sexual Communication and Consent (SCC) program provides a blended instructional model of sexual assault prevention and response training, including universal classroom content that provides common learning points and covers standard learning objectives, interspersed with targeted multimedia intervention content based on common evidence-based risk factors and delivered via individual tablets. Highlighted by the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office as a promising practice in its 2019 Prevention Plan of Action (DoD, 2019) following successful implementation at Basic Military Training in San Antonio, Texas, the SCC program addresses identified gaps in USAFAs sexual assault prevention programming by targeting individual risk for cadets and incorporating a leadership perspective to prepare them for situations they may encounter with individuals under their command. The current study will implement and evaluate SCC at USAFA with the following specific aims: Aim 1: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of the SCC sexual assault prevention program for four-degree (freshman) cadets at USAFA. Aim 2: Adapt SCC content for USAFA and develop supplemental SCC program content for first class (senior) USAFA cadets targeting leadership values and behaviors. Aim 3: Assess SCC program impact on proximal (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, self-efficacy) and distal (sexual assault prevalence) outcomes among cadets receiving the program.