At SPARCC, Primary Prevention is a term which means to stop domestic violence before it ever begins by changing the social norms that influence violence. It is an effort that is comprehensive, community driven, and community specific. Primary Prevention focuses on long term solutions for preventing violence before it occurs. SPARCC’s Primary Prevention efforts include multi-session presentations to youth that focus topics such as: healthy relationships, self-esteem, gender norms, social norms, communication, and media literacy.

SPARCC also coordinates monthly meetings of the Sarasota Community Action Team for Violence Prevention. The Sarasota Community Action Team for Violence Prevention is a proactive county-wide team working towards the creation of a violence-free community through promoting public awareness and social change. This group is open to all community members and we invite you to join us for our next meeting.

In order to achieve a violence-free future, we must all do our part. Many people are needed to play many different roles in the multiple strategies necessary for effective prevention. For more information on how to get involved, email volunteer@sparcc.net, or call 941-365-0208, ext. 106.

10 Ways I Can Take An Active Role In
Preventing Domestic/Sexual Violence
(used with permission from quigleyhouse.org)

In My Home:

• Speak to my children regarding appropriate boundaries; teach them how to show respect for each other.

• Model nurturing in my interactions with my children.
• Refuse to laugh at jokes making light of violence; challenge the impact of these jokes.  In the same manner, I can refuse to forward inappropriate/offensive e-mails that make light of domestic violence or sexual violence.  I can take this one step further by replying and challenging this type of communication as contributing to the problem of violence against women in our society.

In My Neighborhood:

• Provide young people the knowledge and tools to recognize the warning signs of violent behavior, practice sound judgment and know how to react if they find themselves in a violent situation.
• Help children learn to solve problems and play in nonviolent ways.  Teach children basic teambuilding skills and activities that they can teach and practice with other peers.
• Be a role model for all children I am around by resolving issues in respectful and nonviolent ways.

In My Community:

• Increase my own personal awareness of attitudes in my social circle and community regarding domestic violence and violence against women.
• Speak to groups I am involved with regarding the prevalence of domestic & sexual violence and the vital role the community plays in ending violence.
• Challenge and discuss negative attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate abuse and violence.
• Encourage my church or civic group to organize a rally to speak out against domestic and sexual violence.