workshop reports

• What are the immediate and concrete effects of violence on a woman? What are the potential roles and responsibilities of the education system in breaking the cycle of violence?

• What does a woman need from the education system? What barriers must she overcome if she wishes to continue or complete her education?

Conclusion

Participants identified some needs of women who are seeking to overcome violence in their lives. Some might be fully or partially met by educational institutions and programs; most apply to women in all parts of the country. Are these the needs of the women in your programs? Do these barriers prevent women in your community from realizing their full potential?

These actions can help women living with violent men:

• a workable safety plan, both for the individual woman and for the program or institution.

• financial assistance to cover costs of transportation to seek shelter when fleeing from a violent partner.

• individual, group and peer counselling.

• adequate financial support for both full-and part-time learners.

• affordable, flexible, quality on-site 24-hour child care.

• affordable on-campus housing.

• regular study time.

• public transportation to and from the college.

• access to legal services.

• a positive learning environment.

• flexible entrance requirements for all institutions and programs.

• flexible time frames to complete course requirements.

• adjustments in funding criteria for take into account interruptions in education created by violence.