Sexual Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)

Overview and Contact | Program Components | SV Council and DV Coalition | Strategic Planning | Data Registry | Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund | Public Awareness and Media | Human Trafficking | Internet Resources | Contract Supplemental Resource Manual

The Sexual Violence Prevention Program is comprised of the following components:

• Primary Prevention Education
• Victim Services
• Hotline Services
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
• Public Awareness Campaign
• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP)
• Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund
• Human Trafficking Education & Awareness

Primary Prevention Education Component:

Primary Prevention Education focuses on preventing sexual violence before it occurs. The Sexual Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) funds sites throughout the state to provide presentations to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that promote sexual violence and to create change that will prevent sexual violence.

Education is based on addressing the underlying issues that result in rape and sexual violence and may include some of the following topics: bullying and sexual violence, consent and coercion, dating violence, drug facilitated rape, gender roles, healthy relationships, masculinity and sexual violence, media advocacy, oppression, primary prevention of sexual violence, role of bystanders, sexual harassment, and the law as it relates to sexual assault.

Victim Services Component:

The SVPP funds rape crisis centers in Florida to provide services to primary victims of sexual violence. Victim services that are funded include: crisis intervention, information and referral, advocacy and accompaniment, counseling, therapy and support groups for primary victims of sexual violence and 24-7 hotline help.

Hotline Services Component:

The SVPP funds rape crisis centers in Florida to provide 24-7 hotline services to victims of sexual violence. Hotline services are monitored to ensure victims receive quality information.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Component:

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) to raise awareness to prevent sexual violence and to take this opportunity honor victims of sexual violence. The program writes a press release and provides educational opportunities at Central Office during the month of April.

Public Awareness Campaign Component:

The "Rape. Talk About It. Prevent It." campaign provides statewide rape prevention education through radio, television and print media focused at 12-24 year old males and females.

Domestic Violence Component:

The Domestic Violence component of the Sexual Violence Prevention Program offers technical assistance to County Health Departments on safety planning, internal operating policy, training, and assistance in building ongoing collaborative partnerships with domestic violence centers. Medical studies link long-term effects of domestic violence and abuse with a myriad of major health problems including smoking, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders and substance abuse.

For more information on domestic violence and healthcare, including resources for healthcare professionals, visit the Family Violence Prevention Fund's web site at www.endabuse.org, or contact the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence toll-free at 1-888-Rx-Abuse (792-2873). To determine whether you are in a potentially abusive relationship, take this assessment.

1st Step Booklet

The 1st Step booklet is available in English. The purpose of the booklet is to explain about intimate partner abuse and give ideas on what one can do to escape an abusive relationship. For ordering information, contact the Sexual Violence Prevention Program at (850) 245-4455.

Here you can download a PDF version, in English: 1st Step Booklet. (.pdf - 1.29MB)*

*You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print.  Click on the link to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP):

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Violence Against Women provides Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) grant funding to the Florida Department of Health (DOH). The DOH passes these funds to the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV), who subcontracts the funds to 25 certified rape crisis programs.

Program Scope

The SASP provides funding for intervention, advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, police departments, etc.), support services, and related assistance to

• Adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault;
• Family and household members of such victims;
• Those collaterally affected by the victimization (e.g., friends, coworkers, classmates), except for the perpetrator of such victimization; and
• Support outreach and awareness activities to underserved populations.