Applying the Haddon Matrix to evaluate sexual assault interventions on college campuses

Objective: A Haddon Matrix analysis was used to systematically review literature evaluating college campus sexual assault prevention programs to identify research gaps and intervention opportunities. Methods: Articles included were published from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2017; indexed in PubMed, PsycInfo, or Scopus; involving English-speaking undergraduate students in the US; with experimental or quasi-experimental design. Results: All 31 eligible studies evaluated educational programing; all relied on self-report measures; and three-quarters had follow-up periods ≤ 6 months. Significant positive effects were reported by 6 of 10 studies that measured bystander behavior, 6 of 10 that educated potential victims and assessed victimization, and one of four that educated potential perpetrators and measured perpetration. Conclusion: The Haddon Matrix analysis identified the need for interventions that address perpetrators and the post-assault period, as well as studies of the impact of enforcing existing policies and new environmental and situational approaches to sexual assault prevention.