Violence Prevention
Domestic Violence Risk Assessment: Informing Safety Planning & Risk Management
Assessment Tool: This 13 page Brief was developed by the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative with Vulnerable Populations (CDHPIVP). This assessment tool gives a general overview of domestic violence and why risk assessment is important, what the purpose of an assessment is, and information regarding populations that experience increased vulnerability. Various commonly used tools used in domestic violence are highlighted in this Brief, as well as strategies that can be used to help different risk factors, such as past violent behavior and suicidal ideation.
Domestic Violence: A Guide to Screening and Intervention
Guidebook: This guidebook on screening and intervention of domestic violence was published by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital located in Boston, and has authors from a wide range of practices including, but not limited to, surgery, dentistry, psychiatry, and social work. This guide defines domestic violence, and outlines the medical and economic impacts of said violence. Information surrounding barriers to disclosing domestic violence, a step-by-step intervention outline, as well as a screening algorithm are included in this guidebook.
How Public Policy and Legislation can Support the Prevention of Domestic Violence - also in legislation and policy section
Paper: This 68 page research paper looks at Shift: The Project to End DOmestic Violence, which was initiated by the Chair of the PRevention of Domestic Violence in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. The paper looks at the research on domestic violence and its etiology, intervention points in the life cycle, and policies and programs that have been effective in stopping the development of characteristics that predispose some individuals to becoming perpetrators or victims of violence. The scope of this paper is primary prevention, recommendations to prevent violence, and various contextual factors that are important when looking at domestic violence, such as relationships, housing, poverty, and employment. Primary prevention of sexual violence is not included in this paper.
Fact sheet: Intimate partner violence
Fact Sheet: This fact sheet is found on the Government of Canada website and outlines the issue of intimate partner violence, the laws surrounding intimate partner violence, the facts surrounding intimate partner violence, and other resources people may refer to regarding intimate partner violence. This fact sheet was updated in fall 2021.
Preventing Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence
Program Activities Guide: This eight page guide published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is made up of six different categories; ‘preventing intimate partner & sexual violence’, ‘monitoring, tracking, and researching the problem’, ‘developing and evaluating prevention strategies’, ‘supporting and enhancing prevention programs’, ‘providing prevention resources’, and ‘key publications’. Each section has detailed information gathered by the CDC regarding each of the categories.
Report: This 38 page document was published in 2007 by the Prevention Institute with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton New Jersey. This report includes a discussion of primary prevention of intimate partner violence, promising approaches to environmental change, an examination of intimate partner violence within immigrant communities, recommended actions to prevent intimate partner violence, and immediate next steps. This report is designed to be a catalyst and a call to action to give a sense of direction through information and principles regarding each of the prior mentioned sections.
10 Things Men Can do to Prevent Gender Violence
Poster: This poster was produced by MVP Strategies, a gender violence prevention, education, and training organisation, and lists 10 ways that men can work towards preventing gender violence.
National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey
Project Technical Report: This 209 page Australian research report published in 2009 was conducted by the Australian government, and is builds on the methodologies of two prior surveys; the national survey conducted in 1995 by the Occide for the Status of Women, and the Victorian Community Attitude Study done by VicHealth in 2006. This report highlights five major areas when considering community attitudes towards violence against women, each of which are outlined and include a comparison of key findings from the prior two surveys mentioned. This survey was also done in four key components: a general community survey, and additional general community survey of individuals from five culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, a face-to-face survey of Indigenous Australians, and qualitative research with four diverse groups.
Learning Network: Gender Equality
Infographic: This infographic was funded by the Ontario Women’s Directorate, and looks at what gender equality both is, and is not, and explains why gender equality is important. The difference between gender equality and gender equity is explained, and various charts and statistics are shown that show the differences between men and women in various aspects of life such as pay, positions in government, and victims of crime. This infographic goes on to look in detail at various employment rates and incomes for men and women with different cultural identities and ages. The final section of this infographic explains what people can do to foster gender equality as parents, educators, employers/employees, and members of the community.
Prevention of Violence Against Women
Recommendation Statement: This recommendation statement was given by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and outlines various recommendations that have to do with violence against women in many aspects of life such as in healthcare settings and women who have spent time in shelters.
Review of Bystander Approaches in Support of Preventing Violence Against Women
Review: This 71 page review was published in 2011 by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHEalth) in Victoria, Australia, and consists of information regarding bystander approaches and intervention. This review discusses individual, community, and social determinants that may prevent people from intervening when in a bystander situation, as well as provides recommendations regarding utilising existing resources designed to facilitate bystander responses. Research in the fields of social psychology and criminology are integrated within this review to support the reason bystanders do and do not intervene. The review ends with a discussion of existing bystander programs within Australia and the United States that have been implemented and have proven to have evaluation-based evidence of effectiveness.
Shifting the Paradigm: Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence
Toolkit: This 24 page booklet was created by The American College Health Association, and supported by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Program announcement #05040: Enhancing Healthcare Providers Ability to Prevent Sexual Violence. This toolkit starts by describing sexual violence on college and university campuses, and shifts into how to prevent sexual violence and re-visioning the sexual violence continuum. Various topics are looked at including screening for sexual violence, preventing sexual violence through empowering bystanders, alcohol and sexual violence, and an assessment tool for preventing sexual violence on campus.
Preventing Sexual Violence on College Campuses: Lessons from Research and Practice
Information Document: This document was prepared for the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault in April 2014, and is comprised of three parts. Part one describes how to develop, select, and implement prevention strategies that have the highest chance to successfully change sexual violence on college and university campuses; this section includes descriptions of programs that work, have the possibility of working, and do not work. Parts two and three include examples of what college campuses are currently implementing to prevent sexual violence.
Preventing Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence
Program Activities Guide: This eight page guide published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is made up of six different categories; ‘preventing intimate partner & sexual violence’, ‘monitoring, tracking, and researching the problem’, ‘developing and evaluating prevention strategies’, ‘supporting and enhancing prevention programs’, ‘providing prevention resources’, and ‘key publications’. Each section has detailed information gathered by the CDC regarding each of the categories.
Engaging Bystanders in Sexual Violence Prevention
Information Booklet: This 56 page information booklet reviews the concept of bystander intervention, and was written as a response to the bystanders who witnessed the rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964. This information booklet was written to explain what the bystander effect is, as well as inform individuals of various actions they can take if they find themselves in the situation of being a bystander. Outlined in this booklet are the “five steps toward taking action” for intervening, as well as a description of the “continuum of behaviours” that people can use to determine how they could intervene. There are also a number of activities that groups can take part in that will help teach the importance of bystander intervention.
Assessing Campus Readiness for Prevention
Manual: This 192 page manual was written by psychologist Dr. Sharon Wasco, who has twenty years of involvement in the feminist anti-rape movement and specializes in program evaluation consultation. Liz Zadnik, an Education and Resource Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape was a contributing author. This manual is separated into 6 sections: Campus-Wide Approach to Sexual Violence Prevention, Assessing Campus readiness, Partnering With Campus Leaders, Educating Campus Leaders, Evaluating Efforts, and Resources. The goal of this manual is to educate individuals on sexual violence in a university or callege campus setting, while providing information on what prevention would look like on a campus and how to determine if a campus is ready to begin prevention work.
Preventing Sexual Violence on College Campuses: Lessons from Research and Practice
Information Document: This document was prepared for the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault in April 2014, and is comprised of three parts. Part one describes how to develop, select, and implement prevention strategies that have the highest chance to successfully change sexual violence on college and university campuses; this section includes descriptions of programs that work, have the possibility of working, and do not work. Parts two and three include examples of what college campuses are currently implementing to prevent sexual violence.
Research Paper: This 38 page paper looks at the findings from the National Study of Student Hazing done by Allan and Madden in 2008. This paper speaks about the various groups of people that are typically victims of hazing on school campuses, and indicates that only a small percentage of these individuals report that they are victims of hazing activities. This paper also includes studies that have been done that look at unwanted sexual contact on undergraduate women, and states that sexual assault of women is the most violent crime committed on campuses currently. This paper ties these two acts of violence together and speaks on how to prevent violence on campuses.
Article: This article looks at research done through the National College Health Assessment, as well as research done by Gaye Warthe (MRU) and Leslie Tutty (UofC), specifically in terms of relationship violence in university students. The shocking finding in this research was that one third of MRU students have experienced some form of relationship violence. This article goes on to introduce Stepping Up, a peer-facilitated program that aims to educate students on how to recognize and prevent dating, domestic, and sexual violence.
Western: Can Work be Safe, When Home Isn't?
Survey Response: This 45 slide slidedeck highlights the initial findings of a Pan-Canadian survey on domestic violence and the workplace. Throughout the slides, recent surveys are outlined, and facts relating to workplace violence are listed. The survey used for this slidedeck was targeted at workers age 15 and up, and asked Canadian workers about their experiences with domestic violence in the workplace. The survey ran from December 6, 2013, to June 6, 2014. Statistics on those that filled out the survey are recorded, and various quotes from respondents are recorded as well.
Information Brochure: This brochure was created by the Battered Women’s Support Services and explains the steps people can take if their friend comes to them for help from a violent situation. This brochure gives information on what you can do to help a friend, as well as how to do so in a way that will feel properly supported. Information on how to create a safety plan is included, as well as how to take care of yourself in this situation. Various transition houses and other supports in British Columbia are also included in this brochure.
Article: This article looks at research done through the National College Health Assessment, as well as research done by Gaye Warthe (MRU) and Leslie Tutty (UofC), specifically in terms of relationship violence in university students. The shocking finding in this research was that one third of MRU students have experienced some form of relationship violence. This article goes on to introduce Stepping Up, a peer-facilitated program that aims to educate students on how to recognize and prevent dating, domestic, and sexual violence.
Research Report: This Australian research report outlines the findings of a phone survey done in 2013 that looked at whether people in Victoria recognized race-based discrimination as harmful or deserving attention, as well as their readiness to take action when it occurs. The survey focused on three settings: the social setting, the workplace, and community-based sports clubs. This report defines various words that have to do with discrimination and diversity.
Research Paper: This 38 page paper looks at the findings from the National Study of Student Hazing done by Allan and Madden in 2008. This paper speaks about the various groups of people that are typically victims of hazing on school campuses, and indicates that only a small percentage of these individuals report that they are victims of hazing activities. This paper also includes studies that have been done that look at unwanted sexual contact on undergraduate women, and states that sexual assault of women is the most violent crime committed on campuses currently. This paper ties these two acts of violence together and speaks on how to prevent violence on campuses.
Engaging Bystanders in Sexual Violence Prevention
Information Booklet: This 56 page information booklet reviews the concept of bystander intervention, and was written as a response to the bystanders who witnessed the rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964. This information booklet was written to explain what the bystander effect is, as well as inform individuals of various actions they can take if they find themselves in the situation of being a bystander. Outlined in this booklet are the “five steps toward taking action” for intervening, as well as a description of the “continuum of behaviours” that people can use to determine how they could intervene. There are also a number of activities that groups can take part in that will help teach the importance of bystander intervention.
Review of bystander approaches in support of preventing violence against women
Review: This 71 page review was published in 2011 by the Victorian Health PRomotion Foundation (VicHEalth) in Victoria, Australia, and consists of information regarding bystander approaches and intervention. This review discusses individual, community, and social determinants that may prevent people from intervening when in a bystander situation, as well as provides recommendations regarding utilising existing resources designed to facilitate bystander responses. Research in the fields of social psychology and criminology are integrated within this review to support the reason bystanders do and do not intervene. The review ends with a discussion of existing bystander programs within Australia and the United States that have been implemented and have proven to have evaluation-based evidence of effectiveness.
Understanding and Preventing Violence
Research Summary: This summary was published in 2013 by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Division of Violence Prevention, and focuses on how to prevent violence in a variety of situations including: youth violence, adult intimate partner and sexual violence, child maltreatment, youth violence in high-risk communities, and sexual violence among youth. Each section gives a brief rundown on what the type of violence looks like and different supports that can be found to help prevent the violence. There are also sections that discuss preventing suicide, understanding what protects or increases risk for violence, and recent findings about various prevention strategies. Strategies for promoting healthy relationships and how to screen for intimate partner violence are also discussed.
Bystander Perceptions: Implications for University Sexual Assault Prevention Programs
Research Article: This article presents findings that are intended to inform sexual assault prevention programs that are increasingly incorporating bystander education into their designs. This article loosks at data from focus groups that discuss the college party environment and the risk factor for unwanted sexual activity that accompanies these gatherings. Intervention and prevention methods is discussed as varying by geder, and multiple factors that appear to dissuade bystander intervention in party situations are acknowleged.
Global Perspectives
Violence Against Women: Identifying Risk Factors
Report: This report summarizes two studies that used different methodologies and samples to determine the extent to which physical and sexual abuse as a child or adolescent contribute to later abuse. The question posed: ‘Are sexual and physical abuse in childhood and adolescence risk factors for being a victim of violence against women in adulthood?’.
Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014
Report: This report was published by the World Health Organization (WHO), and represents the progress countries have made in implementing the recommendations of the 2002 World report on violence and health. This report takes information from over 6.1 billion people from 133 countries, which represents 88% of the world's population at the time. The goals of this report were to: describe the state of the problem of interpersonal violence, assess the current status of the programme, policy, and legislative measures to prevent violence, evaluate the availability of health care, social, and legal services for victims of violence, and identify gaps in tackling the problem of interpersonal violence while stimulating national action to address them.
World Report on Violence and Health
Report: This 2002 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) consists of 372 pages that are divided into 9 chapters: violence - a global public health problem (p. 1-22), youth violence (p. 23-56), child abuse and neglect by parents and other caregivers (p. 57-86), violence by intimate partners (p. 87-122), abuse of the elderly (p. 123-146) , sexual violence (p. 147-182), self-directed violence (p. 183-212), collective violence (p. 213-240), and the way forward: recommendations for action (p. 241-254). The goals of the report are to raise awareness about the problem of violence globally, and to make the case that violence is preventable and that public health has a crucial role to play in addressing its causes and consequences. This report was developed by over 160 experts from around the world, who were coordinated by a small Editorial Committee, as well as an Advisory Committee.
Infographic: This 2016 infographic by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looks at some statistics pertaining to intimate partner violence, and has a technical package that ‘helps communities use the best-available evidence to prevent intimate partner violence’.
Infographic: This 2002 infographic by the World Health Organization (WHO) contains information pertaining to intimate partner violence against women. This 2 page infographic shows the extent of the problem, as well as the consequences and risk factors of intimate partner violence, and what can be done to prevent intimate partner violence.
Infographic: This infographic depicts information about violence against women and girls, with information regarding females aged 15-49, taken from 34 countries between the years 2000-2012.
Legislation and Policy
In Search of Safe Campus Communities
Article: This 2006 article dives into university and college campuses as being a possible unsafe environment for women rather than being a sanctuary where everybody is treated with respect and is safe to learn. This paper looks at the idea of “creating community” to ensure that women have safe opportunities to pursue education. Topics discussed in this paper include the 1970’s rape crisis and battered womens movemens, a case study from the University of Missouri, and a table comparing Boyer’s Vision of Campus Community to Coordinated Campus Responses to Violence Against Women Activities.
Intimate Partner Violence Policies on Campus
Survey and Responses: This report outlines a 2011 assessment done in 22 Connecticut higher education institutions that looked at current campus policies and procedures, the presence of awareness and prevention, and the availability of services for victims, all relating to intimate partner violence. Throughout this report, intimate partner violence is defined and compared to sexual violence, and a list of best practices for creating campus policies to address intimate partner violence is given. There is also a section outlining reporting procedures and disciplinary procedures, as well as victim confidentiality, and a list of on/off campus resources.
Model: This model was created by The Stalking Resource Center, The National Center for Victims of Crime, and The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and looks at campus policy on stalking. This policy document was created for campuses to use either fully or to adapt selected portions for their specific needs while creating their own policies. Outlined in this document are essential elements of a campus stalking policy, as well as optional policy elements that campuses may choose to use as well. There are also sample policies included at the end of this document.
Preventing Violence and Promoting Safety in Higher Education
Article: This article was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and was written by a member of The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention in 2004. This article looks at the scope of the problem of campus violence, as well as what causes violence, how to address campus violence, and the need for prevention of campus violence. The writer lists 6 recommendations on how to prevent campus violence, as well as various principles for designing an effective campus violence intervention.
Model Policy on Domestic Violence
Policy: This policy is for individuals employed at the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, and lists off definitions of violence, and the responsibilities of staff, split into either management or employees. There is also a section pertaining to disclosures of employees experiencing or perpetrating abuse.
Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic Violence and Abuse
Workplace Policy Handbook: This 21 page booklet on domestic violence and abuse was created by the department of Health, Social Services, and Public Safety by the Northern Ireland office in 2006. This booklet has 14 sections: The Purpose of This Guide, What is DOmestic Violence and Abuse?, The Facts, The Impact of Domestic Violence on the Workplace, The Legal Implications, The Role of a Human Resources/Personnel Branch, What Should a Workplace Policy Cover?, Identifying Domestic Violence, The Role of Line MAnagers, Help and Support for Individuals Experiencing Domestic Violence, WHat Can Other Employees Do?, Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in the Workplace, Further Information, and Support Services.
Guidelines for Developing Workplace Domestic Violence Policy
Guidelines: This 6 page report by the Ontario Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. This report looks at why workplaces have policies on workplace domestic violence, what makes a policy effective, how to develop a policy, and what the key elements of a policy need to be. There are also policy examples from Canada, the USA, and the U.K..
Western: Can Work be Safe, When Home Isn't?
Survey Response: This 45 slide slidedeck highlights the initial findings of a Pan-Canadian survey on domestic violence and the workplace. Throughout the slides, recent surveys are outlined, and facts relating to workplace violence are listed. The survey used for this slidedeck was targeted at workers age 15 and up, and asked Canadian workers about their experiences with domestic violence in the workplace. The survey ran from December 6, 2013, to June 6, 2014. Statistics on those that filled out the survey are recorded, and various quotes from respondents are recorded as well.
Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs
Policy Development Document: This 44 page document is part of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario’s Workplace Violence and Prevention Series. The purpose of this document is to adhere to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, which required Ontario employers in 2010 to assess the risks of workplace violence and to put policies and procedures in place regarding harassment and violence in the workplace. This document outlines what violence in the workplace is, how to develop a workplace violence policy, as well as information on domestic violence and workplace harassment.
How Public Policy and Legislation can Support the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Paper: This 68 page research paper looks at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, which was initiated by the Chair of the PRevention of Domestic Violence in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. The paper looks at the research on domestic violence and its etiology, intervention points in the life cycle, and policies and programs that have been effective in stopping the development of characteristics that predispose some individuals to becoming perpetrators or victims of violence. The scope of this paper is primary prevention, recommendations to prevent violence, and various contextual factors that are important when looking at domestic violence, such as relationships, housing, poverty, and employment. Primary prevention of sexual violence is not included in this paper.
Handbook for Legislation on Violence Against Women
Handbook: This 68 page handbook was published in 2010 by The Division for the Advancement of Women in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. The handbook is based on the results of an expert group meeting on good practices in legislation to address violence against women. Various aspects of this handbook outline the Model Framework for Legislation, including implementation, monitoring and evaluation, definitions, prevention, and investigation among others. The final part of this handbook is a section titled ‘Checklist of Steps to be Taken When Drafting Legislation on Violence Against Women’.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Awards: The 2014 Future Policy Award celebrates laws and policies that contribute to ending violence against women and girls. Experts from fields such as academia, civil society, and international organizations nominated twenty-five policies from around the world that were implemented to improve the lives of women. Descriptions of the winning policies of the vision award, gold award, and two silver awards, as well as two additional honorable mentions are included in this booklet.
Stepping UP: Research, Presentation, and Publications
Article: This article looks at research done through the National College Health Assessment, as well as research done by Gaye Warthe (MRU) and Leslie Tutty (UofC), specifically in terms of relationship violence in university students. The shocking finding in this research was that one third of MRU students have experienced some form of relationship violence. This article goes on to introduce Stepping Up, a peer-facilitated program that aims to educate students on how to recognize and prevent dating, domestic, and sexual violence.
A Peer-To-Peer Dating Violence Prevention Project on a Post-Secondary Campus
Article: This article dives into the purpose of the Stepping Up project and looks at the steps that were taken to create the program. The Stepping Up program is a peer-facilitated program that aims to prevent and reduce dating violence among post-secondary students. Students develop curriculums through brainstorming sessions that bring up topics and issues that fit with the various modules, which are ‘healthy relationships’, ‘secual relationships’, ‘boundaries and communication’, and ‘gender and media’. The leaders of these modules include the students that signed up to be peer-facilitators, community partners, and researchers. The article ends with the results from the first weekend of the Stepping-Up program, as well as the results from various evaluations that were being done both before and after the workshop.
Impacting a Campus Community When Students Step Up
Article: This article takes a deep dive into what the Stepping Up program is, starting with the researchers that started the program, and leading into the model that Stepping Up is based off of. This model consists of two phases: facilitator development, and module delivery, which includes up to 60 participants who signed up for the program. This article also breaks down the timeline for the stepping up program and the evaluations that go along with it, as well as some data that has been collected from the program itself.
Stepping Up: A focus on Facilitator Development
Article: This article was written by four Mount Royal University faculty members and researchers, and aims to describe the experiences of the peer facilitators that are involved in the Stepping Up program. This article looks at the two phases of the Stepping Up program, development and delivery, and brings up the changes in knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and behavioural intent (KABBI) in participants both before and 8 months after the Stepping Up event weekend. This article uses qualitative interviewing to gather its data.