A Strategy to Promote Healthy Youth Relationships in Alberta to Prevent Domestic Violence

Abstract

Over the past three years, Shift has worked to understand promising levers for change, and identify programs, practices, policies and initiatives that have been proven effective in preventing and reducing domestic violence. Much research points to children, youth and young adults as a key lever for primary prevention. 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. This strategy is aimed at building and promoting healthy relationships with youth populations across Alberta.