November was Family Violence Prevention Month, which proved to be a busy time and an incredible opportunity to move research into action. Lana Wells, the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence made presentations at three events throughout the month; two in Alberta and one in British Columbia.
- The FREDA Centre’s 2012 National Research Day: Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence: Exploring the Continuum of Violence Against Women and Girls
- Calgary Domestic Violence Collective: Lunch and Learn Series
- Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta: Power of Prevention 2012 Conference
The presentations focused on four key areas.
- Children, youth and young adults. Studies unequivocally show that most of the precursors of domestic violence occur in childhood and adolescence. Children and youth learn relationship skills and social behaviours from their parents and other family members. A high proportion of children who witness or experience violent relationships in childhood go on to perpetuate these patterns in adulthood with their own children and partners.
- Non-violent and healthy socio-cultural norms and environments. Social and cultural norms determine our sense of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, and research has shown a strong association between sociocultural acceptance of violence and increased risk for all types of interpersonal violence.
- Engaging men and boys to reduce and prevent domestic violence.
- Supporting formal and informal leaders, neighbours, friends and families to help prevent family violence, as research indicates that people rely on these networks before, during and after they contact format services,
For more information or to invite Lana Wells to present at a conference or event, go to the Contact Us page.
