An Evaluation of the Violence is Preventable (VIP) Program

affected in many ways, including their ability to learn, social relationships, mental health and
behavior. Ultimately, we all have investment in helping children and youth who have been
impacted by domestic violence so that they can grow up into healthy, caring citizens. At the
same time, it is important to focus on prevention. Through VIP presentations given in the
classrooms, students learn what healthy relationships look like, and where they can go now or
in the future for support should they find themselves in a violent relationship. Working to break
the cycle of intergenerational violence is critical to the health of our society.
Educator Awareness
It is clear from educators’ feedback is the level of need in relation to education around issues of
domestic violence. Teachers reported a great deal of learning in regards to the impact of
domestic violence, signs that impacted students may exhibit, basic strategies to use in the
classroom to assist these students and where to get more help in the community. Educators do
not receive this training during teacher education and very rarely are there professional
development opportunities in this area. At the same time, statistics have shown that 3 to 5
children in a classroom are impacted by domestic violence. Teachers struggle with the ability to
identify these students and to understand the underlying issues that have led to challenges in
their day-to-day lives. Teachers are uncertain how to support these students in overcoming the
impact of domestic violence. Teachers included in this evaluation were clear that they would like
more professional development opportunities to learn specific ways of working with these
students so that in turn students can experience success.
Overall, educators were surprised at the prevalence of domestic violence in Canadian society.
One third of educators noted the high rates of domestic violence as shocking. This speaks to
the need for greater public education around this social problem that occurs in all of our
neighborhoods. Without proper training and education, teachers will continue to feel helpless in
working with students who are impacted by domestic violence and in turn, those students will
lose out on learning and support opportunities.
Teachers also noted the importance of school-community partnerships in addressing issues of
domestic violence. Almost all (92%) teachers indicated that a partnership between schools and
VIP is beneficial for schools. There is a recognition that teachers are increasingly asked to
address issues in the school setting for which they feel ill-equipped. By removing the burden
from teachers by providing them with training and education so they can both assist in the
classroom and provide children and youth with community agency services, we capitalize on the
strengths of both partners. Through this network of support, children and youth can thrive in all
areas of development.
Services for Students
Students who participated in the evaluation of groups and classroom presentations indicated
great benefit from these activities. For students who participated in the groups, growth was
observed from the beginning to the end in all areas examined through the student self-report.
These include social skills (getting along with others), listening skills, solving problems without
the use of physical aggression and feelings of adult support. Further to this, all students across
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