1. School Health
  2. Youth Relationship Violence & Bullying
  3. Youth Relationship Violence

Youth and Relationship Violence

As youth grow up, they meet many new people - friends, family, peers, or partners. It’s important for them to learn how to build good relationships and to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy ones.

NEW Toolkit for Parents, Caregivers and Adults

Learn important information to help youth learn the signs of relationship or dating violence, how to build healthy relationships, and where to go for help in the community when needed. Read on to start the conversation (available in English and French):

What is Relationship or Dating Violence?

Relationship violence is any act or pattern of controlling behaviour from one partner to another. Relationship violence can happen in public and private spaces, or online. It can take many forms (physical, verbal, emotional) and can also be referred to as sexual violence or abuse, gender-based violence (GBV) or intimate partner violence (IPV).

Anyone can experience abuse in a relationship, no matter their background, identity, or circumstance. It can happen between people in romantic relationships, families, at work or school, between friends or acquaintances. It most often happens between people who know each other – it’s less likely from “stranger danger.” Women, girls, and gender-diverse people are at higher risk of experiencing relationship violence.

Over 1 in 4 teens between age 15-17 have experienced dating violence, but most don’t feel comfortable talking about it.

Why is Youth Relationship or Dating Violence important to talk about? 

Relationship violence can affect a youth’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Youth who experience dating violence have a greater risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) later in life.

Introduction to Gender-Based Violence Prevention (including the role of Bystanders)

What types of Violence or Abuse should youth know about?

It is important to talk to youth about relationships, and what to look for in a friend or partner. When youth know the warning signs to look for in an unhealthy or unsafe relationship, they can protect themselves and ask for help sooner.

  • Cyber-Violence – Using technology to scare, hurt, or embarrass someone. Examples: pressure to share private photos, being spied on, or secretly tracking your location online.
  • Harassment or Stalking – Repeated, aggressive communication such as non-stop phone calls, texts or emails, or secretly tracking where you go.
  • Financial Abuse – Taking control over your money or finances.
  • Coercive Control – Controlling how you act, dress, what you do, and who you see.
  • Emotional Abuse – Mental or emotional harm by shaming, humiliating, or controlling your emotions.
  • Intimate Violence – Being pressured or forced to do sexual or intimate activities you don’t want to do.
  • Physical Violence – Physical force or harm that causes pain or makes you afraid.

How to build Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, honesty, and open communication. In a healthy relationship, people feel safe, supported, and are treated fairly and equally. Here are some ways to build healthy relationships:

  • Be willing to compromise
  • Solve problems and arguments together
  • Respect each other’s thoughts and ideas
  • Make decisions together
  • Try to understand each other’s feelings
  • Listen without judging
  • Speak openly and honestly
  • Admit when you are wrong

Although it’s important for youth to know the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship, it’s just as important for them to know that they have a trusted adult they can talk to about anything, without being afraid. 

More Information and Local Supports

  • Get more information by reading the Youth Dating and Relationship Toolkit (French).
  • For local support services for youth and families, visit www.wechu.org/youth-services-card

What else can schools, parents and students do to promote healthy relationships?

Below you will find several informational and community resources for educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Educator resources are organized using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework. A healthy school is created when schools, parents and community partners work together to build school environments that promote and support student well-being.

Resources & Information for:

Background Resources 

  • Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network – PREVNet
    A one-stop site for resources to help educators address identity-based bullying, youth dating violence and to promote healthy relationships in the classroom. Resources are available in French.
  • Gender-Based Violence Prevention Professional e-Learning Module - OPHEA
    E-learning modules developed to increase educator awareness and understanding of gender-based violence, and the importance of teaching gender-based violence prevention in schools.
  • Learning Network- Gender-Based Violence - Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children
    A learning network and knowledge hub through Western University that provides backgrounders, infographics, and additional resources regarding gender-based violence.
  • The Trap – Government of Ontario
    A human trafficking digital education tool simulates being targeted and recruited by a sex trafficker.  It is intended to raise awareness about sex trafficking among youth, teaching the dangers, how to avoid them and where to get help.  The trap is designed to be used as part of a facilitated discussion led by an adult. Facilitators must register with an email address.   Available in French. 

Lessons and Activities

  • Building Safe Habits - We Raise Our Children
    Grades JK- 4
    Locally made resources to support educators and caregivers on how to talk to children about digital safety and build skills. “Beastie Valley” is a series of eight educational videos with supporting materials that review online friendships, sharing information and pictures, seeing yucky pictures, getting help, getting touchy, and getting connected to support. Available in French. 
  • Gender-Based Violence Teaching Toolkit - Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
    Grades K-12
    Resources for teaching about a wide range of gender-based violence issues, including sexual assault, consent, homophobia, transphobia, gender norms, rape culture, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people. 
  • Gender-Based Violence Prevention Education Resources - OPHEA 
    Grades K- 12 
    Ready to use classroom activities and educator resources to support gender-based violence prevention.  Available in French. OPHEA also has a sexual violence prevention education video playlist which includes videos on consent, sexual violence prevention and scenarios to use in the classroom. 
  • Explore Resources - MediaSmarts 
    Grades K-12
    Evidenced-based, wide range of media and web literacy resources for teachers and parents/guardians. Can narrow by grade and topic (i.e., violence, sexual exploitation). Available in French.
  • Trending Resources, Timely Support - Canadian Centre for Child Protection
    Grades K-12
    Videos, lesson plans, activity books, factsheets, and additional training dedicated to the personal safety of all children (i.e., online safety, preventing sexual abuse, healthy relationships, etc.). Available in French.  
  • Healthy Schools Party Safer Toolkit - WECHU 
    Grades 9-12
    Printable resources and information on consent, sexual violence and the power of bystanders. Available in French. 
  • Drawing the Line on Sexual Violence - Draw the Line
    Grades 1-12
    Post-cards to download or order that can be used to create a school-wide campaign. Materials include Draw the Line scenarios to teach youth how to spot sexual violence and how to step up or get help when things don't feel right. Educators can use the elementary and secondary guides for background information on the campaign and lesson plans for each grade. 
  • Healthy Schools Certification - OPHEA
    Gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. Contact your school nurse or send an email to csh@wechu.org to find out more about supporting your school in achieving a Healthy Schools Certification. Access professional learning modules and webinars on gender-based violence and consent. 
  • Healthy Schools Party Safer Toolkit - WECHU
    Grades 9-12
    Contains royalty-free graphic social media posts to share within a school community, party safe resources for teens and educators, information on sexual violence and consent, and a resource for parents/caregivers to talk to teens about partying. Available in French. 
  • Self Worth Tool Kit - PREVNet
    This tool kit is designed as a Zine, to help youth reflect on their relationship with themselves and others.  This guided reflection is meant to offer a way to identify supportive relationships and assess youths’ self worth.  Available in French.  
  • Teen Dating Violence Youth Resources - PREVNet
    Resources developed by Canadian youth for youth, including a “Building Healthy Relationships Poster” (French), and a “Consent Toolkit Zine” to teach youth about consent and how to practice it in various parts of life. Also includes case studies and activities to support educators in discuss these concepts with students. Several resources available in French.
  • Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence - White Ribbon
    Campaign that engages people through the creative use of social and mobile tools to inspire men to speak out against gender-based violence. Available in French. 
  • Ontario Dress Purple Day - Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
    Grades K-12
    Ontario Dress Purple Day takes place in October to engage students in conversations about safety and well-being in all aspects of their lives, and help them identify their networks of support. Find resources, lesson plans and activities for elementary and secondary schools to make the day meaningful. Available in French.
  • 211 South West Region Ontario
    Find more information on supports for youth, housing issues, and more. Can also call 2-1-1 directly to get help finding local agencies that can support shelter, shower, or hygiene products.   
  • Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card - the WECHU
    Provides contact information related to services and referral support in Windsor-Essex County for a variety of youth services.
  • The Bridge Youth Resource Centre
    Support for ages 14 to 24 in the greater Leamington area to find a safe, welcoming space and to get help with supportive housing, life and coping skills, mental health and addiction help, and more.  Also, can assist with basic needs such as showers, laundry, and food.
  • The Windsor Youth Centre - The Downtown Mission 
    This program provides young people aged 16-25 with essentials like food and hygiene items as well as opportunities for growth and personal development.
  • One Stop Talk
    For youth 17 years and under, connect instantly with a therapist for a free therapy session and develop a plan together to move forward and feel better.  Online chat or service via telephone available, call 1-855-416-8255.
  • Youth Wellness Hub - Canadian Mental Health Association
    For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. The Youth Wellness Hub also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor, Amherstburg and Leamington locations. Virtual mental health counselling and peer support available.
  • Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre - Windsor Regional Hospital 
    Confidential services, medical examinations, and education for victims of sexual assault regardless of age or gender. Comprises three programs: Sexual Assault Program, SAFEKIDS Program, and the Domestic Violence Program.
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Centre 
    Group, face to face and e-counselling, peer support, resources and a 24-hour crisis line at 519-253-9667 .
  • Youth Diversion- Essex County Diversion Program 
    Program and services support children and youth aged 6-18 in Windsor-Essex to provide youth with the tools they need to gain higher self-worth and make better life choices. #parentingunplugged is a series of videos, webinars, and podcasts to help parents help their kids get the most from technology while managing the risks.
  • Hiatus House
    Provides crisis support and emergency shelter for women and their families in Windsor and area who are fleeing violence and abuse. Provides education and skills training to women, men and children through counselling and group services.  

Support in the Community 

  • 211 South West Region Ontario
    Find more information on supports for youth, housing issues, and more. Can also call 2-1-1 directly to get help finding local agencies that can support shelter, shower, or hygiene products.   
  • Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card
    Provides contact information related to services and referral support in Windsor-Essex County for a variety of youth services.
  • Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre – Windsor Regional Hospital 
    Confidential services, medical examinations, and education for victims of sexual assault regardless of age or gender. Comprises three programs: Sexual Assault Program, SAFEKIDS Program, and the Domestic Violence Program.
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Centre 
    Group, face to face and e-counselling, peer support, resources and a 24-hour crisis line at 519-253-9667 . 
  • Hiatus House
    Provides crisis support and emergency shelter for women and their families in Windsor and area who are fleeing violence and abuse. Provides education and skills training to women, men and children through counselling and group services. 
  • Fem’aide
    Provides support to French-speaking women in Ontario, as the availability of French language services can vary by community/region. You can speak to someone that will help create a safety plan, listen, and network with other service providers for access to services.

Additional Resources and Support 

  • Youth Relationship Violence Toolkit for Parents, Caregivers and Adults
    Learn important information to help youth learn the signs of relationship or dating violence, how to build healthy relationships, and where to go for help in the community when needed. Available in English and French.
  • Youth Dating Violence for Parents and Caregivers – PREVNet 
    Information and resources to help parents/caregivers understand the signs of dating violence, communicate effectively with youth about relationships and support them in making safe and informed choices.
  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection
    For youth and parents/caregivers that need guidance on the removal of pictures from the internet, dealing with cyberbullying, understanding the laws in Canada around these cases, and seeking emotional support.
  • Cybertip
    Canada’s National Tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.  Information on what to do if your intimate image is being shared, online luring, sextortion, online sexual violence, online safety resources and fact sheets.

  • Self Worth Tool Kit - PREVNet
    This tool kit is designed as a Zine, to help youth reflect on their relationship with themselves and with others.  This guided reflection is meant to offer a way to identify supportive relationships and assess youths’ self worth.  Available in French. 
  • Drawing the Line on Sexual Violence - Draw the Line
    Grades 1-12
    Post-cards to download or order that can be used to create a school-wide campaign. Materials include Draw the Line scenarios to teach youth how to spot sexual violence and how to step up or get help when things don't feel right.

  • Sexual Assault Crisis Centre 
    Group, face to face and e-counselling, peer support, resources and a 24-hour crisis line at 519-253-9667 . 
  • Kids Help Phone (Jeunesse, J'écoute)
    A 24/7 resource offering crisis support, mental health support, and counselling via text, messenger, or phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868.
  • One Stop Talk
    For youth 17 years and under, connect instantly with a therapist for a free therapy session and develop a plan together to move forward and feel better.  Online chat or service via telephone available, call 1-855-416-8255. 
  • The Bridge Youth Resource Centre - Leamington
    Support for ages 14 to 24 in the greater Leamington area to find a safe, welcoming space and to get help with supportive housing, life and coping skills, mental health and addiction help, and more.  Also, can assist with basic needs such as showers, laundry, and food. 
  • The Windsor Youth Centre -The Downtown Mission 
    This program provides young people aged 16-25 with essentials like food and hygiene items as well as opportunities for growth and personal development. 
  •  Youth Wellness Hub - Windsor, Amherstburg, Leamington
    For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. The Youth Wellness Hub also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services available in Windsor, Amherstburg and Leamington locations. Virtual mental health counselling and peer support available. 
  • Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre - Windsor Regional Hospital 
    Confidential services, medical examinations, and education for victims of sexual assault regardless of age or gender. Comprises three programs: Sexual Assault Program, SAFEKIDS Program, and the Domestic Violence Program.
  • Fem’aide
    Provides support to French-speaking women in Ontario, as the availability of French language services can vary by community/region. You can speak to someone that will help create a safety plan, listen, and network with other service providers for access to services.
  • Hiatus House
    Provides crisis support and emergency shelter for women and their families in Windsor and area who are fleeing violence and abuse. Provides education and skills training to women, men and children through counselling and group services.