Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) may help prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) among young people by addressing the harmful gender norms that perpetuate inequitable relationships and violence. Despite its potential, few evaluations of CSE interventions have measured IPV or changes in related attitudes and social norms. Instead, they tend to document reductions in
HIV, sexually transmitted infection and unintended pregnancy rates (Fonner et al. 2014; Kirby, 2008).

To address this gap in the evidence base, this study examines how a CSE intervention in Mexico may help to address unequal gender norms, prevent partner violence and encourage critical thinking among students aged 14 to 17 in Mexico City. The 20-hour curriculum by Fundación Mexicana para la Planeación Familiar (Mexfam) covers a comprehensive set of topics and is implemented in full by well-trained health educators.

The findings suggest that comprehensive sexuality education of this nature can be an effective and feasible strategy to support prevention of and response to intimate partner violence among young people, in part by contributing to a process of shifting attitudes and gendered social norms. The researchers identified four elements of the course that seem central to the process of violence prevention. (From the document).

Related resources include a journal article (#6511), policy brief (#6512), fact sheet and blog (see website). Record #6510