CDC Seeks Public Input on Vital Sexual Violence Prevention Data Collection Efforts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated a 60-day public comment period, published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2026, regarding its proposed information collection for the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program. This crucial notice invites federal agencies and the general public to provide feedback on the ongoing data collection efforts, which are central to assessing and improving nationwide strategies for preventing sexual violence. The RPE Program, a cornerstone of federal efforts funded under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Public Health Services Act, provides funding to health departments and coalitions across states, territories, and tribal communities to combat sexual assault before it occurs.

Understanding the RPE Program's Mandate

The RPE Program holds a significant position as the primary federally funded initiative focused on the primary prevention of sexual violence. This means it targets interventions designed to stop sexual violence from happening in the first place, rather than responding after an incident. The program's legislative authority stems from the Violence Against Women Act and specific sections of the Public Health Services Act, which empower the CDC to fund and support these vital prevention efforts. Eligible entities receiving these funds include health departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, and up to ten tribal coalitions. The program's scope is broad, encouraging the expansion of community- and societal-level strategies that are comprehensive and data-driven. This approach includes building capacity for implementing and monitoring prevention programs, supporting the implementation of evidence-based strategies, and ensuring that community engagement is central to these efforts.

The Importance of Data Collection

The CDC's proposed data collection through its online DVP Partners Portal is not merely a bureaucratic exercise. It is essential for several critical functions. Firstly, it informs national sexual violence prevention efforts by providing insights into effective strategies and areas needing improvement. Secondly, it ensures accountability for the federal funds allocated, demonstrating how taxpayer money is being used to achieve program goals. The data also enables the CDC to generate timely program reports and respond to legislative inquiries, such as those mandated by Congress. Furthermore, this collection strengthens real-time communication between the CDC and its RPE recipients, allowing for targeted technical assistance and a robust monitoring and evaluation of recipient progress and performance. Without this systematic data gathering, the ability to gauge the program's impact and refine its approach would be significantly hampered.

Public Participation and the PRA

This notice follows the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), a federal law designed to minimize the paperwork burden on the public and ensure the practical utility of government information collections. Under the PRA, federal agencies must seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for information collections. This 60-day comment period is a critical step in that process, allowing the public to weigh in before the proposal reaches OMB. The CDC specifically invites comments addressing five key areas. These include evaluating the necessity and practical utility of the information, assessing the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate for respondents, enhancing the quality and clarity of the information collected, identifying ways to minimize the burden on respondents through technological solutions, and evaluating collection costs. Such public input is crucial for ensuring that federal data collection practices are efficient, effective, and minimally intrusive.

Addressing the Scope of Sexual Violence

The imperative for robust sexual violence prevention programs is underscored by sobering statistics. Sexual violence is a major public health crisis with widespread impact. National data indicates that one in three women and one in four men experience sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. The statistics are particularly stark for rape, with nearly one in five women and one in 38 men having experienced completed or attempted rape. Disturbingly, sexual violence often begins early in life, with one in three female and one in four male rape victims reporting their first experience between the ages of 11 and 17. The CDC's Division of Violence Prevention leads national efforts in preventing both perpetration and victimization, highlighting the RPE Program's vital role in addressing this pervasive issue through primary prevention strategies.