Code of Respect (X-CoRe): Trial of a Multi-level Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention Intervention for Active Duty Airmen

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of Code of Respect (X-CoRe) multi-level sexual assault (SA) and harassment (SH) prevention program in improving psychosocial determinants (e.g., knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, attitudes) related to respectful/disrespectful relationships, to examine the efficacy of X-CoRe in reducing SA and sexual harassment SH victimization and to examine the efficacy of X-CoRe increasing bystander behavior and improving unit cohesion and mission readiness by decreasing secondary risk and harmful behaviors (e.g., alcohol misuse, intimate partner violence, suicide ideation). The study will be conducted at at Joint Base McGuire Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) located in Burlington County, New Jersey, and participants will be cluster-randomized at the level of the squadron to one of two conditions: the X-CoRe program or a control condition.

Conditions

• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Harassment

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Junior Enlisted Component

Junior Enlisted Airmen (E4 and below) will complete 10 online modules designed to train them on recognizing SH and SA, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and situations that may increase risk for SH and SA. Participants will adopt and practice a lifestyle paradigm of select-detect-protect, in which service members select their personal rule to have only healthy (non-abusive) relationships with their peers and romantic partners, detect signs and situations that might threaten their rules, and protect their rules using communication, management, and avoidance skills. They will be instructed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to SH and SA and will receive skills training related to communication and conflict resolution for healthy relationships, reduction of SH and SA perpetration, consent communication, reporting incidents of SH and SA, and bystander intervention. Participants who have experienced SH or SA are encouraged to use the "Get Help Now" feature to access support 24/7.

BEHAVIORAL

Leadership Component

Mid- and advanced-level leaders (E5 and above) will complete 10 online modules designed to train them to recognize forms of SH and SA, how to respond to an incident of SH or SA, and how to create a safe work environment free of SH and SA. Leaders will also adopt and practice the paradigm select-detect-protect. Leaders will select their personal rule to enforce a healthy work environment (free of SH and SA), detect signs and situations that might threaten their rule (e.g., displaying inappropriate pictures on the computer), and protect their rules using communication and management skills. Leaders will also be given background material on SH and SA in the military (e.g., extent of the problem, DoD definitions, and policies) and installation resources for reporting incidents. As with the Junior Enlisted component, Leaders who may have experienced SH or SA are encouraged to use our "Get Help Now" feature to access support 24/7.

BEHAVIORAL

Social Marketing Campaign

All participating Airmen (including Junior Enlisted Airmen and Leaders) will be exposed to X-CoRe's social marketing campaign, which includes posters, flyers, postcards, and digital content for social media. Messages are designed to increase awareness of consent and foster Wing-wide norms that are supportive of healthy relationships. Resources for Service members to receive support if they have experienced SH or SA will also be provided through the social marketing materials. Social marketing materials, such as posters, will be distributed at "hot spots" for SA (e.g., dorms).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• United States Department of Defense

  collaborator FED

• The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Belinda Hernandez, PhD, MPH · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-17

Primary Completion

2027-05-31

Completion

2027-05-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations