Teachers Kit

To: Hamilton Teachers & Early Childhood Educators

Each November, the Woman Abuse Working Group (WAWG) creates a campaign to raise awareness around the issue of woman abuse.

One of WAWG’s campaigns was the “It’s Not Just About Her” campaign to focus on children who are living in family violence and how this impacts their ability to learn and succeed at school. Teacher kits were distributed across Hamilton with the hope that our educators will have a better understanding of this huge social issue called woman abuse.

The Woman Abuse Working Group is a coalition of over 20 community agencies, coordinating services to eradicate violence against women and children. Our Vision is simple and clear: “To live in communities without violence”.

Half of Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. Violence against women occurs across all ethnic, racial, religious, age, social and economic groups. It is estimated that up to six children in each classroom have witnessed family violence. It is crucial that teachers understand the dynamics of domestic violence and the impact of children’s exposure to it.

This kit includes the following:

• Domestic Violence…..What is it?
• Power and Control Wheel
• Impacts on Children
• Signs a Student is Having Difficulties
• Potential impacts at Different Ages
• Examples of What Teenagers May Think or Feel
• What Teachers May See
• L.E.A.F brochure
• It’s Not Just About Her Resource
• Community Information Resource

WAWG hopes that you find these kits useful and that it prompts further investigation into the issues around woman abuse and ways to help students who are trying to learn while witnessing violence at home.