Domestic Violence Awareness and Preventative Education

Posted on Oct 31, 2023

Written by Angie Conway, Family School Liaison Counsellor, J.T. Foster High School

Did you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness month?

Each year, J.T. Foster High School and A.B. Daley Community School have the privilege of hosting a Preventative Education Worker from the Rowan House Society. Students in the Grade 2, 5, 8 and CALM classes learn about preventing domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships. Rowan House Society is an organization that provides several different programs to provide crisis intervention, long-term support and preventative education. Of these, included is an Emergency Shelter for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.

Pam G., Prevention Education Facilitator from Rowan House, was at A.B. Daley on September 28 and October 26, to present to all the grade 2 students about bullying behavior. Pam’s presentation gave students a realistic reminder about the difference between bullying behavior and regular conflict.

Pam was at J.T. Foster on October 17 and 24 to deliver two separate presentations to each grade, with a total of 4 presentations. In the first, the Grade 8’s learn to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to recognize red flags within relationships, both romantic and otherwise. In the second, Grade 8’s discussed empathy and building skills of how to be there for others, why this is important for healthy relationships, and will learn more about the impact of bullying.

The CALM class dove deeper into understanding healthy versus unhealthy relationships, adding dating abuse to the discussion where they not only learned how to recognize signs for themselves, but for others as well. In the second presentation, they explored the importance of values and boundaries to learn more about themselves, what they want in a relationship and how to know if they are ready to be in a relationship.

These presentations support the work of Family School Liaison Counsellors, whose work is to promote wellness and positive change through healthy relationships and connections.

To learn more about Rowan House and its programs, please check out the website www.rowanhouse.ca and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.