Programs For High School Students and Diverse Community Groups

1. Sexual Harassment

This program is primarily delivered to co-op, careers and Success classes. The students learn what to do if they face sexual harassment in the workplace or at school and what behaviours are considered to be sexual harassment. We emphasize that sexual harassment is a form of bullying and the steps they learn to put a stop to it can also be used in other bullying situations involving race, culture, religion and sexual orientation. We also stress the importance of informing the teacher if they are sexually harassed at a work placement.

2. Dating Violence

This program is delivered to various classes, including girls’, boys’ and co-ed gym classes, Success classes, Second Chance classes and other ‘high risk’ groups. Topics covered are warning signs of an abusive relationship, date rape, date rape drugs, the role of alcohol in sexual assaults, boundaries, respect and communication, and basic self-defence techniques. Students learn about the myths and realities of sexual assault through a quiz, a guided discussion and a film.

3. Risky Sexual Behaviour

This program is targeted to girls’ grade nine gym classes. The physical risks and psychological consequences of having casual sex are covered including sexually transmitted diseases, the “double standard” and loss of self-esteem and self-respect. This program was developed three years ago in response to requests from teachers, students and youth counsellors that we address the pressure on young teenage girls to be sexually active due to the influence of the media and the desire to be “popular”. An episode from a Canadian TV show Renegadepress.com and interviews with teenagers on their attitudes toward casual sex by Dr. Phil generates a lot of good discussion in the classes. Handouts are provided on how to resist peer and date pressure, “dating rights” for girls and diseases that can be spread through oral sex.

4. Child Sexual Abuse

This program is delivered to family studies, parenting, sociology and Success classes. It includes information on how to talk to your child about sexual abuse, signs of abuse, strategies to keep your child safe, why children are vulnerable and tricks used by predators. A film featuring survivors of childhood sexual abuse narrated by David Schwimmer, who played Ross on ‘Friends’, has a powerful impact on the students.

5. Legal Issues

A program on legal issues was developed with the Niagara Regional Police for delivery to law classes, but several other classes, ie. Sociology, also participate. Detective Sergeant Paul Bevan and I discuss sexual assault laws, the issue of consent, the role of alcohol and date rape drugs and what to expect in court for victims and perpetrators and consequences for convicted offenders. We also talk about why most victims do not report this crime and the difficulties in laying charges and getting convictions when they are acquainted with the perpetrator i.e. victims are blamed and courts do not take the crime as seriously as when it is a stranger attack. Srgt. Bevan also answers questions about his work with the sexual assault and DNA units and discusses current cases. Strategies to prevent sexual assault are also covered. Beginning in 2009, the program is also being delivered to Brock University and Niagara College students.

6. The Undetected Rapist

This 2009 pilot project targets grade 12 students in various classes including religion, gym and sociology to prepare them for attending post-secondary schools away from home. It is based on the work of American psychologist David Lisak concerning premeditated sexual assaults by seemingly charming men who prey on young women through flattery and gaining her trust, the use of alcohol, and convincing them to leave a bar or a party with him. According to Lisak, these undetected rapists commit a large number of sexual assaults and are never charged by the justice system. The program addresses how to recognize this type of perpetrator and how to protect yourself and your friends from becoming a victim. It also looks at reasons for the offenders’ behaviour and what personality traits they look for in victims. Lisak noted that this scenario accounts for the vast majority of rapes – not date rape.

7. Violence Prevention for Diverse Community Groups

This program is targeted to groups such as new immigrants in ESL classes, persons with disabilities and seniors. It discusses how to identify and get help with domestic violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault. It includes basic self-defence techniques and a handout with emergency contacts for various agencies.