Study of the BOAT4 Prevention Program to Reduce Violence in Middle School Students Aged 13 to 17

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of the BOAT structured prevention program on violence in middle schools. The program aims to prevent sexual and gender-based violence among children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 by targeting risk and protective factors through a set of validated intervention sheets. The study involves 60 middle schools over four school years, with the first year dedicated to study preparation and regulatory approvals coordinated by Montpellier University Hospital. The study has two groups one group BOAT where middle school educational teams receive training on using the BOAT prevention toolbox through e-learning and face-to-face sessions each year. These trained professionals then apply the BOAT interventions based on their needs and projects. The control group BOAT- receives no intervention during the study but is informed about the research and will receive training after the study if the program shows positive effects. Participants include middle school students and educational staff who will be assessed annually for changes in violent behavior, students well-being, substance use, risky sexual behavior, suicidal behavior, teachers stress levels, school climate, and disclosures or reports of violence or abuse. These evaluations continue for three years after the study starts to measure the programs impact and monitor safety and school environment changes.

Evaluation of the Effect of the BOAT® Structured Prevention Program on Violence in Middle Schools