Prevention
Independence House partners with select community organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses to promote communities and societies free from intimate partner violence through primary prevention practices. These are long-term partnerships with those who share our vision to change social norms regarding violence.
Independence House staff will come to your school, community organization, religious institution or business and provide information regarding the agency services as well as organize awareness raising events and encourage the support of our community. Independence House also provides workshops for youth, parents, professionals and community leaders on many topics.
The Independence House Prevention, Education and Outreach program is dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual violence and raising youth awareness on Cape Cod, providing curriculum based workshops to schools throughout the Cape. All educational workshops and each curriculum is age appropriate and can be tailored to meet the needs of youth in schools from elementary through high school. In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Education Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework, we have tailored workshops to meet the learning standards for each grade level. All workshops are designed with interactive activities to engage students in facilitated conversations around selected topics. Independence House will also adapt any lesson plan to fit specific needs of administrations, teachers and students.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has reported that:
- “Up to 80% of adolescents report being bullied during their school years.”
- “Around 160,000 school children stay home each day out of fear, often without telling their parents why.”
- “Forty percent of 5th-8th graders say they have experienced sexual harassment by their peers.”
- “Adults who were bullies as children have higher rates of substance abuse, domestic violence and other violent crimes”
(Bullying is characterized by an imbalance in power, similar to the power and control displayed in abusive relationships.)
Other reports indicate that:
- About 1 in 4 teens reports verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse each year. (www.chooserespect.org)
- Teen dating violence perpetuates other common issues affecting American teens such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, binge drinking and drug use. (ncadv)
- In June of 2008, driven by recent domestic violence killings, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a public health advisory on domestic violence (www.mass.gov)
In March of 2010, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed an anti-bullying legislation requiring all schools to address bullying. The complete legislative act can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2010/Chapter92 .
Additionally, you may download a summary of requirements for each school at: http://independencehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Bullying-Summary-May-2010-_2_.pdf
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Respectful Youth Relationship Program
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Respectful Youth Relationship Program is our youth-focused primary prevention and educational program promoting healthy relationships and violence prevention among middle and high school students throughout Cape Cod. The program is named in honor of Nicholas Xiarhos, the son of community leader, Steven Xiarhos, who lost his life in Afghanistan. Nick was a mentor and role model to his peers and always looked out for others.
WORKSHOP TOPICS & BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Below is a list of suggested workshop topics that are presented in schools throughout Cape Cod. Most workshops are appropriate for elementary through high school aged youth and all workshops are tailored for age appropriateness. Many workshops may be combined as time permits. To schedule a session, or for more information, please contact Chris Morin, ext. 230. ChrisM@indhouse.net
BULLYING
Types of bullying; cyber bullying; bystander intervention and empowerment; snitching vs. telling
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Understanding conflict; understand your feelings; recognize your triggers; active listening; resolution skills
ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES
Defining boundaries: physical vs. emotional; boundaries related to friendships; communication skills
(and dating relationships for older youth)
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Characteristics of good friends; how to be a good friend; boundaries related to friendships
(characteristics of healthy dating relationships and boundaries related to dating relationships for older youth)
SEXUAL HARRASSMENT
Defining sexual harassment: examples in a school setting; what to do if we experience sexual harassment
GENDER STEREOTYPES & SEXISM
(For older youth) Gender vs. sex; defining stereotypes; how stereotypes influence violence; what you can do to change
SEXUAL ASSAULT & CONSENT
(For older youth) Legal definitions; statistics; understanding consent; communication skills; drugs and alcohol; helping a friend
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
(For older youth) Types of abuse; warning signs; characteristics of healthy relationships; helping a friend
SAFE DATES CURRICULUM
VIOLENCE IN THE MEDIA
(for older youth) Media and advertisement affecting intimate partner violence