Protecting Our Children

Children are most likely to encounter violence in their own home. Living in a violent home hurts children, even if they aren't being directly abused. Often they have difficulty concentrating in school. They can seem aggressive or withdrawn and can have difficulty making friends. Children from families that are living in poverty, poor housing, experiencing unemployment, substance abuse and family violence are more likely to become involved in youth delinquency and adult criminal activity.[1]

Community investment in family support programs and accessible recreational facilities promote healthy family relationships and positive child development. These programs can help families and children build healthier relationships at home and at school.[2]

Suggested Activities

Kid proofing or Child Identification Project - Ask your local police force, or the R.C.M.P. to help host an I.D. session to record children's fingerprints, description and other details.
Violent Toy Trade-in - Invite your local crime-stoppers association to host a toy trade-in. Children can exchange their violent toy(s) for a non-violent gift such as a yo-yo or lego blocks. Some CrimeStoppers organizations offer school programs or host violent toy trade-in events. They can be contacted at (800) 222-8477 or see www.iglou.com
Hands are for Helping - Have students trace their hands and cut out the pattern. Encourage them to write a word or draw a picture that shows hands are for helping, not for hurting.
Play and Parenting Workshop - Invite children and parents for a workshop on play and parenting skills. Street Law has many useful educational resources. Find a sample workshop from Teen Parents and the Law Curriculum through www.streetlaw.org/pubs.html
Family Fun Day - Bring families together in a fun and inviting atmosphere by hosting a barbeque or picnic, fun games, or free activities such as swimming, basketball and soccer.
While watching TV, discuss violence on TV - Two questionnaires from "Taking Charge of Your T.V" can help parents and children talk about the violent incidences they see on T.V.

Activity Profile Food '4' Thought

YWCA of Oshawa, ON

Family support, parent training and early intervention programs are estimated to reduce child abuse by as much as 50% and can reduce the delinquency rate among disadvantaged children.[3] The YWCA of Oshawa is committed to supporting healthy child development. The Pre and Post Natal Nutrition Project distributed milk and healthy food to more than 35 pregnant and nursing women it it's first year of operation in 1996. Last year, more than 200 pregnant and nursing women benefited from Food '4' Thought's food distribution, mom and tot activities, formal and informal education, information, and support services. This program's success is due to the 5,000 hours of staff time donated by health professionals, social workers, other professionals, and community members, and the support of community agencies and businesses who provide rent-free locations, grocery deliveries, cooking and driving assistance.

Facts

Over 50% of young offenders have been sexually abused.[4]
In 1996, children represented 60% of all victims of sexual assault.[5]
Child behaviours associated with witnessing family violence include aggression and internalization of problems, with negative effects on social and academic development.[6]

Resources

Kids Help Phoneline. Tel: 1-800-668-6868. Parents Help Line has counselors on the line with a resource list for each province/territory. It is anonymous and confidential. Contact them at 1-888-603-9100
The Rock Solid Foundation was formed by a group of police officers to provide a positive message to youth. Tel: 1-250-386-7625
The National Film Board of Canada has some educational films for children. Tel: 1-800-267-7710
Big Sisters of Canada matches girls aged 6-16 with volunteers who act as positive role models. Tel: 1-800-461-2726. Find Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada at www.bbsc.ca or call 1-800-263-9133.
Family Service Canada hosts National Family Week from October 2nd to 8th, 2001. They offer a video on healthy parenting. Helpful hints for parenting are available from "documents" at this link. Call them at (613)-722-9006 or 1-800-668-7808 (toll-free) for more info or for a referral to a family service agency near you.
Child and Family Canada has a list of online resources.
CRIAW (Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women) has publications and fact sheets that deal with a range of issues, including violence and poverty. Tel: (613) 563-0681
Teaching Tolerance has free and low-cost educational activities. The Starting Small Video and Text Kit would be an incredible addition to any daycare facility. The One World Poster Set also comes highly recommended. Responding to Hate at School helps teachers and administrators deal with bigotry-motivated violence in schools.
Child CyberSEARCH Canada deals with abducted and missing children. Find them at www.childcybersearch.org or Tel: 1-888-326-5352
Save the Children has produced many resources aimed to stop the sexual exploitation of children and youth. Most are available for a .00 shipping cost. Tel: (416) 221-5501 or 1-800-668-5036 (toll-free).

1 National Crime Prevention Council Canada (1996). Safety & Savings: Crime Prevention Through Social Development. Economic Analysis Committee.

2 National Crime Prevention Council Canada (1996).

3 National Crime Prevention Council Canada (1996).

4 Pate, Kim. "Young Women and Violent Offences: Myths and Realities."Canadian Women's Studies 1999.

5 Fitzgerald, Robin. "Assaults Against Children and Youth in the Family." Juristat,17, 11. 1997.

6 Fitzgerald, Robin. "Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile." Statistics Canada, 1999.

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