Date Rape, Violence in Relationships, Cycle of Violence

 

One of the Coalition’s first projects was entitled Love Without Violence. Its’ focus is to educate teens on the question of abuse in relationships through a program presented in local high schools.

 

This project was organized by C.A.A.R. following a suggestion made by two Moncton Police Officers. They were concerned with the increase in date rape and violence in relationships among the high school population. When intervening in these situations, police officers felt most teens lacked the knowledge about what constituted consensual sex, had unhealthy attitudes about their respective roles (male/female), and the use of violence in relationships was far too frequent. They also recognized the need to address the issue of ignorance about services available in the community for both victims and perpetrators.

 

As a result, the Coalition initially opted to intervene at the high school level. Members of the Coalition formed a sub-committee responsible for organizing this school project. Love Without Violence was offered in several high schools and junior high schools. Deemed a tremendous success it was published as a kit in 1994.

 

The program is still being presented and students in grades 9 to 12 continue to emphasize the need for this information at the pre-dating level. Students in grades 5 to 8 need to know HOW to Build Healthy Relationships. It’s Up To Me was developed to respond to their needs.

The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Research has completed an evaluation of "Dating Violence Education and Prevention" programs within New Brunswick, including our own Love Without Violence. The purpose of the research was to develop and recommend a provincial strategy to the Department of Education