RespectED: Violence & Abuse Prevention

In communities around the world, the Canadian Red Cross RespectED program promotes safe relationships and cultures of non-violence. Abuse, violence, bullying: the hurt is real - and can be stopped. You can play a vital role in preventing violence and abuse in your school, at home, on your sports teams and among your peers.

It's easy to get sucked in... protect yourself
It could involve the exchange of sex for money or other valuable goods, such as food, drugs or transportation — in other words, something you need. Click here for more information.
Love isn't supposed to leave bruises
As many as 25 per cent of Canadian youth experience violence or abuse in a dating relationship. Learn about the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and what you can do. Click here for more information.
Stand up to bullying
One in five Canadian youth reports being bullied regularly, but when a friend steps in, bullying stops half the time in 10 seconds or less. Learn ways that you stand up to bullying. Click here for more information.
Become a youth facilitator
The Canadian Red Cross Beyond the Hurt program is a bullying prevention program with a difference — peer facilitation is what sets this school and community program apart. Older peers, typically grades 10-12, are trained to deliver presentations to youth, with the support of an adult in their school who is also trained. Click here for more information.

You have the right to be protected – and to be safe from violence. No one has a right to harm you, to make you feel small or stupid, or to touch you how and where you don't want to be touched. Not even people close to you. If this is happening to you or a friend, if you are afraid or hurting, please ask for help.

To get help, you can:

  • Tell an adult you trust, like a school counselor, your parent or a friend's parent, your teacher or coach, a spiritual leader or your uncle or aunt. Keep telling until you get the help you need!
  • Contact the Kids HelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868 or go to www.kidshelpphone.ca
  • Call your local crisis line. Keep telling until you get help-and remember: this is not your fault! Under 19? You have rights.

To learn more about the Canadian Red Cross violence and abuse prevention program or to become involved, contact your local Red Cross office.