Respectful Relationships Program
Respectful Relationships (R+R) is a National and Provincial award winning schools-based primary violence prevention program for youth, developed by SWOVA.
We have spent almost a decade of research and development, refining our ideas about how to stop bullying, interpersonal, partner, and family abuse, through ‘relationship education’ with youth. Our efforts have grown into an effective 4-year, 48-session curriculum that addresses bullying, sexism, racism, and homophobia, with a focus on the development of healthy, non-violent relationships among adolescent boys and girls.
Our model is one of partnerships between men and women, youth and adults, and schools and community members. Using trained adult and youth facilitators and interactive teaching and learning techniques, the Respectful Relationships (R+R) curriculum is delivered to students through a series of 12 workshops for each year in grades 7, 8, 9 and 10 or 11.
In addition to the R+R curriculum , SWOVA has also developed an R+R Facilitator’s training program, an Adult Facilitator Guide, a Youth Team Training Guide, a Project Coordinator’s Guide, and the book entitled Freedom From Fear: the How-to Guide On Violence Prevention Inspired by Teens for Teens, as well as the video “Women and Violence Education and Prevention Project”.
- The R+R curriculum targets students aged 12-18 because this is the time in their lives when youth are:
- Passionately involved in the development of peer and dating relationships
- Actively establishing their autonomy
- Exploring gender issues and identity
- Beginning to date
- Laying down patterns for adult partner relations
- Vulnerable to influences of media and peer pressure
The following is a recommendation from a recent Statistics Canada report on violence against women that supports the type of education that R+R provides:
"These data suggest that preventative educational programs aimed at young boys and girls are warranted to reduce violence. Attention is also needed in the formative relationship-building years of adolescence to teach development of healthy relationships, awareness of personal safety, and the availability of supports and services."
-Measuring Violence Against Women - Statistical Trends 2006 - Statistics Canada
- Goals of the R+R Program
- Reduce the incidence of relationship violence in the lives of youth
- Help youth develop the skills and attitudes needed for healthy and respectful relationships with peers and intimate partners
- Foster self-respect, critical thinking, and positive self-image
- Create schools and communities where teens and adults know how to build relationships based on equality, respect and mutual support
- Develop the capacity for tolerance and consideration toward all members of the world community
- Prepare youth for their role as responsible and contributing Global Citizens
- Strengthen communities through partnership and cooperation
- Build capacity in communities to prevent violence
- Key Learning Objectives of R+R
- Developing self worth and respect
- Setting personal boundaries
- Dealing with difficult feelings
- Learning assertive communication skills
- Dealing with peer pressure
- Recognizing the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Resisting stereotypes
- Understanding the relationship between power and violence
- Developing awareness of gender-based violence
- Balancing rights and responsibilities
- Gaining a critical perspective on the influence of the media
- Raising awareness regarding homophobia, racism, sexism, and bullying
- Key Factors in Our Success
- A PARTNERSHIP with schools, communities, adults and youth, women and men
- Facilitator TEAMS that include trained community adults and youth peer educators
- The dynamism of the YOUTH TEAM
- An ENGAGING, INTERACTIVE, and REFLECTIVE CURRICULUM
- Our work is based upon SOLID RESEARCH and EVALUATION
- Time tested, AWARD WINNING curriculum delivery
- CAPACITY BUILDING in diverse communities through facilitator’s training, workshops, and mentoring
- How to get Started
- It begins with a desire to bring Primary Violence Prevention education to your community.
- Schools and communities create partnerships to engage children and adolescents in this important, life enhancing opportunity
- Identify interested individuals: teachers, parents, community activists, police, experts in the field, etc who are willing to partner with you to bring the work to your community.
Download the R+R Program 2008 Power Point Presentation
To learn more about how you can bring Respectful Relationships to your Community please contact us.