Sexual Violence Prevention in Oklahoma

If you or someone you know, is a victim of abuse, call the Oklahoma Safe Line 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate. For more information services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Nationally, it is estimated that 17% of women and 3% of men have been victims of sexual violence in their lifetime. In Oklahoma, the rate of rape and attempted rape among females reported to law enforcement has been 35-45% higher than the U.S. rate for the past decade. While many organizations have been providing urgently needed services to victims and survivors of sexual assault for decades, providing services is only part of the work needed to address the problem. Preventing sexual assault before it occurs is also a priority.

The Injury Prevention Service collaborates with the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Oklahoma Sexual Violence Prevention Advisory Committee to promote sexual violence prevention throughout the state. The Injury Prevention Service administers a sexual violence prevention program that focuses on primary prevention in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, faith communities, and the media. The goals of the sexual violence prevention program are to:

• Reduce first-time perpetration of sexual violence,
• Increase the number of non-violent interactions and healthy relationships, and
• Reduce cultural influences that support sexual violence.

One of the greatest challenges and keys to the success of prevention has been to determine what programs, curricula, and activities work. There are few programs that have been proven to prevent first-time perpetration or victimization of sexual violence. Programs that do show promise focus on healthy relationships education of youth 10-24 years of age and bystander intervention strategies for persons of all ages. The best prevention efforts are comprehensive and sustained over the long-term if a reduction in sexual violence is going to be achieved. 

Comprehensive sexual violence prevention programs have been established in seven communities in Oklahoma.

• Community Crisis Center - Miami
• Domestic Violence Intervention Services - Tulsa
• Safenet Services - Claremore
• Wings of Hope - Stillwater
• Women's Resource Center - Norman
• YWCA of Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City
• Women's Crisis Services of LeFlore County - Poteau

• Crisis Line Handbook: A Resource Guide for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Human Sex Trafficking Advocacy -- NEW!

• Teen Dating Violence (Print Friendly PDF) (Spanish version)
• What You Can Do About Sexual Violence (Print Friendly PDF) (Spanish version)
• Recognizing and Responding to Intimate Partner Violence as a Health Care Provider (Print Friendly PDF) (Spanish version)

• Intimate Partner Violence-related Deaths in Oklahoma -- NEW!
• High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Youth Who Experienced Rape: Findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Oklahoma, 2009-2011
• Oklahoma Women and Sexual Violence - Beliefs, Opinions, and Victimization: Results from a Random Telephone Survey
• Dating and Sexual Violence among Oklahoma High School Students

• OPLC YAS Infographic
• OPLC YAS 2020 Application Infographic
• OPLC YAS Membership Description
• OPLC YAS 2020 New Membership Application
• OPLC YAS 2020 New Member Letter of Agreement
• Rape Prevention Education Intern Application Packet - NEW

• Associations Between Dating and Sexual Violence and Selected Risk Indicators (for more information on the Oklahoma Youth Risk Behavior Survey, click here)
• Evidence-based/Promising Programs
• State Assessment and Comprehensive Plan for Sexual Violence Prevention in Oklahoma for 2010-2015 – Compendium (published 2010)
• State Assessment and Comprehensive Plan for Sexual Violence Prevention in Oklahoma for 2010-2015

• Intimate Partner Violence in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area, 7/2000 -12/2001)
• Intimate Partner Violence in Oklahoma (Statewide, 2002)

Links to other Sexual Violence Prevention sites

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK

Phone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588
Email: injury@health.ok.gov