Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Prevention
WomenAWARE continues to offer to mainstream, alternative and special needs schools from grade 6 to CEGEP/College level the interactive presentation “Domestic Violence: It’s Not a Private Matter, It’s a Crime!” in Montreal .
The objective is to help youth understand the dynamics of healthy relationships; signs of controlling relationships; strategies for dealing with dating violence; and resources available to end the cycle of violence.
Québec Statistics on Conjugal Violence (Sécurité Publique) states :
Conjugal violence offenses against youth aged 12 to 17 is the only rate that increased in 2007 (5%) with 39 more offenses committed compared to figures in 2006.
This is nonetheless the second consecutive increase for this age group. www.msp.gouv.qc.ca
We strive to speak for those whose voices are silenced by the abuse of a loved one or a stranger.
Conclusion noted:
Youth are still very unaware of what constitutes abuse and are clearly desensitized to it. Preventive programs should be mandatory in the curriculum. The recent domestic violence beating situation in 2009 with pop star Rhianna brought about very charged dialogue as to who was “responsible for the abuse”.
“It’s an issue that may not be familiar for everyone but it makes us thoughtful that it can happen to any of us.” Canadian cartoonist Sandra Bell-Lundy re her story line on domestic violence in her creation Between Friends.
