Sexual violence prevention at the table: National Coalition for Sexual Health

On Monday I attended the 2nd annual meeting of the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH). Having participated last year, I was thrilled to welcome several new partners to the table, including PreventConnect partners, National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Our presence at the meeting, and as integral members of the coalition, reflects a growing trend of partnership-building to close the gap between the traditionally siloed sexual health (teen pregnancy prevention, STI prevention…) and sexual, domestic, and dating violence prevention movements.

At this year’s meeting, I was most impressed with the commitment to addressing and including the prevention of gendered violence. Amongst discussion about avoiding assumptions, media messages, and more, members frequently brought up the topic, linking it to key sexual health indicators and outcomes. I’ve participated heavily in many sexual health committees and efforts throughout the years and the NCSH is one in which I feel our expertise and presence is highly valued and included.

As I’ve posted in the past, the NCSH released a sexual health guide this year, and you can look forward to more publications and resources coming soon. For now, learn more about sexual health in this online course and listen to podcasts about the connections between sexual violence prevention and sexual health promotion.