PREPARED BY: Comprehensive Health Promotion
DATE: 2026-05-14
SUBJECT: Flip the Script Program Update (EAAA)
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a priority issue identified by the Government of Canada and has been recognized locally at crisis level in Windsor‑Essex. Both IPV and youth dating violence continue to increase in the region, as reported by local police and sexual assault treatment centres. From January to August 2024, the Windsor Police Service responded to 2,573 IPV‑related incidents, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In 2024, IPV accounted for 37.7% of all crimes against persons and 44.3% of all assault‑related offences in Windsor‑Essex.
Youth dating violence is a particular area of concern. Nationally, teen dating violence has increased by 33%. Locally, the rate of police‑reported dating violence among teenage girls is approximately nine times higher than that of teenage boys. Girls aged 15 to 17 experience the highest rates of sexual violence within dating relationships compared to any other age group.
The Windsor‑Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is a community delivery partner in the Girls – Flip the Script with EAAA® initiative, an evidence‑based sexual assault resistance program developed by the University of Windsor and the SARE Centre. The program is funded through a multi‑year investment from the Public Health Agency of Canada and focuses on preventing youth dating violence and sexual assault among adolescent girls. Girls – Flip the Script with EAAA® is adapted for girls aged 14-18, from the original evidence‑based Flip the Script (Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act [EAAA]) program, which was designed for women aged 18 to 24. Research participants experienced a 46% reduction in completed rape and a 63% reduction in attempted rape in the year following participation along with reduced incidence of intimate partner violence, improved risk assessment sills, and increased self‑defence and self‑efficacy. These benefits were sustained two years post‑program completion.
DISCUSSION
In fall 2025, WECHU staff completed extensive training to deliver the Girls – Flip the Script EAAA® program. Program delivery began in January 2026 and has been successfully implemented through strong WECHU community partnerships.
To date, four programs have been delivered in collaboration with Youth Wellness Hub, New Beginnings, and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC). Two additional programs are booked in partnership with the Can Am Indian Friendship Centre and Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (W5) this month.
Across the four completed programs, an average of 13 participants attended each offering. A total of 55 girls attended the first session of all programs, and 52 completed all four sessions, resulting in a retention rate exceeding 94%. Demand for the program remains high, with waitlists reaching up to 24 girls.
Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Selected responses to the post-program evaluation question “Is there anything else you would like to tell us or other girls who might be considering signing up for Girls – Flip the Script withEAAA®?” include:
“The atmosphere is so welcoming and safe. I loved sharing with the girls and learning so much from everyone else!”
“This program is important for all girls, as it helps with facts, services, and resistance surrounding sexual assault.”
“Such an important program for anyone and should be taught to every teenage girl in my opinion. It is SO important to know about your body, sex, and self defence. You will meet very kind facilitators and it’s absolutely worth it.”
Next Steps
During the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the WECHU aims to deliver six additional programs. Efforts will continue to strengthen and expand community partnerships, as well as explore opportunities to deliver programs within local school settings to further increase accessibility and reach.
References
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Violence against women and girls. Department of Justice Canada.
Women and Gender Equality Canada. (n.d.). Intimate partner violence.