Healthy Relationships Plus Program Information Michele Montgomery Regional Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Coordinator

What is the Fourth R? School level intervention with a focus on implementing the Fourth R (relationship) designed to include students, teachers, parents and community in reducing violence and risk behaviors. A relationship- based approach to prevent adolescent violence and related risk behaviors: peer and dating violence, substance use & abuse, Promotes healthy growth and sexuality Evidence based curriculum School based comprehensive prevention approach

Healthy Relationships Plus Program 15 one hour sessions Covers topics such as dating violence healthy relationships substance use mental health issues

Is dating abuse really an issue for teens? 26% of girls and 28% of boys have already been victims of physical abuse. Female are more likely than males to experience severe physical abuse. Psychological abuse is even more common in both genders. Sexual abuse is more common among girls Dating abuse is beginning as early as 6th grade.

Why is dating abuse such a prevalent issue with teens? Many see abuse as normal part of the relationship. Romanticizing about love, teens may interpret jealousy, possessiveness, and abuse as signs of love.

Why is dating abuse such a prevalent issue with teens? Teens may experience a lot of pressure to be in a dating relationship A teen may remain in an abusive relationship just to have someone to date.

Why is dating abuse such a prevalent issue with teens? Teens’ communication skills are less developed than those of adults. Gender stereotyping has been associated with dating abuse.

Implementing the program Sessions run on a weekly basis, outside of classroom time. Groups are both male and females together. Each session is 60 minutes long. Program must be conducted in full, without eliminating content/sessions. Sessions explore the positive definition of healthy relationships and helps students work on win/win solutions. Behavior is a choice is reinforced – we are each responsible for our own behaviors.

Sessions Session 1: Getting to know you Session 2: Its you choice: friendships/ relationships Session 3: Shaping your values Session 4: Influences on Relationships Session 5: Impact of Substance Use and Abuse Session 6: Healthy Relationships Session 7: Early warning signs of dating violence Session 8: Knowing your values and boundaries

Sessions Cont… Session 9: Communication Skills Session 10:Taking Responsibilities for Emotions Session 11: Standing up for what is right Session 12: When friendships and relationships end Session 13: Emotional Health and well being Session 14: Helping our friends Session 15: Sharing and Celebrating

Activity Time What does it look like when people are in a healthy relationships? What does it look like when people are in an unhealthy relationship?

Harmful consequences of dating abuse Lose confidence in oneself Doubt their own abilities, feelings and decision making Problems at work, school, and other activities Abandon dreams and goals Feel shame and guilt Feel lonely

Harmful consequences of dating abuse Face inability to maintain long lasting or fulfilling relationships Become afraid to express feelings of anger Feel isolation from family and friends Become depressed, anxious, fearful, or suicidal Get an STI or experience unwanted pregnancy Experience damage to personal property Suffer serious injury, even death

Relationships and Mental Health What's the connection? Healthy relationships contribute to a person’s mental well being. People who feel meaningfully connected and who have healthy relationships in their life are in a much better position to access help when needed. Unhealthy relationships can contribute to mental health issues and challenges. A person’s mental health can affect how they interact with the people in their lives: parents, peers, partners, teachers, co-workers, etc.

Goals of HRP Promote discussion about mental health challenges in a safe and accepting environment. Get youth to think about how they manage their stress level and well being.

Goals of HRP Goals of HRP Get youth to think about how their relationships contribute to their emotional well being. Give them information about how they might help themselves or a friend who is struggling.

Important notes This is a research project - Consent forms need to be filled out for each teen and signed by a guardian. - Pre and Post Test for each youth. - Tracking forms for facilitator. - Satisfaction surveys for the facilitator after each session.

How to talk to your students about the program Explain to them what you know about the program Let them know that the program isn't all about abusive behaviors and mental health issues. It also includes fun activities related to dating and mental health in general. It can give them skills to help keep them safe. It can give them the skills to help friends who are involved in unhealthy relationships. If they are not dating, this program is great preparation for it.

Questions? Michele Montgomery Regional Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Coordinator michele.montgomery@gov.ab.ca 403-381-5916