Main Research Page
Information based on findings from the Violence in High Schools Intervention and Research Project in Simcoe County, Ontario and related research.
Spring, 1999
"I learned that I was in a very abusive relationship. These workshops really opened my eyes, and I broke up with him." Participating student, 1994
* physical violence and verbal aggression is more common among boys than among girls
* headlines giving absolute rates of violence (eg "one rape every six minutes") can be inaccurate, especially for less serious forms of aggression
* usually victims and perpetrators agree on the rates of violence, but they disagree on the rates of male-to-female aggression -- evidence indicates that boys under-report this kind of aggression
* most students are aware of violence among their peers and think it is serious
* over 90% of students say it=s NOT OK for a guy to force a girl to have sex under any circumstances
* perpetrators, victims, and boys with traditional sex role attitudes are more accepting of peer aggression
* students want schools to take a leading role in violence prevention but schools are one of the least likely sources of students= information about violence -- most rely on friends
* students who know less about ways to handle aggression are less likely to attend antiviolence education
* education for all students should:
* use workshops rather than talks
* teach skills rather than give information
* schools should also:
* establish peer counselling programs
* provide practical help to students trying to end violent relationships
* identify aggressive students for behavioural interventions
* consistently model, practise, and reward non-aggressive behaviour
* all interventions should be evaluated to ensure they benefit students and do no harm
To request a workshop, or to order flyers suitable for use in high schools, please contact:
Dr. Zoe Hilton
Research Department
500 Church Street
Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3
We would like to thank: participant students and schools, Simcoe County Board of Education, Simcoe Family Violence Prevention Initiatives Committee, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and the many workshop presenters