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Sexual Assault Prevention Program Expands

CONCORD, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire is expanding its nationally-recognized sexual violence prevention program to a younger audience: high school students in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Instead of focusing just on potential victims and perpetrators, the "Bringing in the Bystander" program teaches participants how to safely intervene when they see a risk of sexual assault or dating violence. Starting in January, UNH faculty, staff and students will be implementing the program at 30 high schools, in most cases as part of existing health or psychology classes.

The expansion is being funded by a $1 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Professor Katie Edwards says the program's curriculum has been re-worked to be appropriate for high school students.