Improving School Environments for Preventing Sexual Violence Among LGBTQ+ Youth.
Avanti Adhia, Dylan Pugh, Ruby Lucas and 3 others
PMID 37859302WHAT IT FOUND
LGBTQ+ students identified five school changes to reduce sexual violence: gender-neutral spaces, staff training on inclusion, transparent reporting protocols, LGBTQ-competent mental health support, and sexual health education that explicitly covers their identities.
Key findings
01Students requested gender-neutral locker rooms and restrooms to avoid harassment, noting that locked or unavailable safe spaces forced them to risk assault or avoid using facilities.
02Trust in staff was undermined by a lack of training and respect for LGBTQ+ identities, with students citing misgendering and staff joining in on harassment.
03Students reported that sexual violence incidents were often minimized by staff as 'drama' or ignored due to a lack of physical proof, discouraging future reporting.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in a single county in Washington State, limiting generalizability. Participants were recruited from a specific community support group, which may not represent the broader LGBTQ+ student population. The majority of participants identified as White, limiting insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth of color. Data collection via Zoom and text may have excluded students without reliable internet access or digital literacy.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that specific interventions reduce sexual violence. The study reports student perceptions and recommendations, not outcomes from implemented programs.