Student Acceptance
Students who have participated in the Family Violence Units at the intermediate level have evaluated their experiences very positively. Most students appreciate the opportunity to discuss the issue and most know of someone who has experienced some form of violence. Parents too have been supportive, and the most frequent comment has been that the program should occur earlier in the students' education.

Teachers have found that students learn a great deal during the family violence units. For some, it becomes an opportunity to disclose that they have experienced abuse or have witnessed wife assault. One necessary component in the planning for this program is ensuring that mechanisms are in place for children to tell their stories in a safe setting in order to get help.

Conclusion
Our school-based program helps school staff and students identify issues and needs and reach out to appropriate community contacts. It is well documented that since the beginning of our initiatives, requests for information and speakers from the Council have risen dramatically. A strong link is made between the community and schools.

Family violence prevention curriculum is not mandated. The Boards and teachers themselves have identified this issue as a high priority. They are giving up lunch hours and other planning time to accommodate program development. Staff volunteer to be involved in the program and, in our experience, staff who were initially reluctant to get involved have come on board, resulting in a strong school-based team.

The Family Violence Prevention Project is one example of an innovative and ambitious program. In the course of planning and discussion, there has emerged, at least, a common understanding of the nature and prevalence of the problem. Education is a crucial factor in any strategy for change and, while schools are the focus of this particular project, the elimination of violence against women and children will require the education of all members of society.

Statement of Rights I am an important and worthwhile human being. I deserve to be treated with respect. I have power over my own life and can make good decisions for myself. I can decide, with the help of trusted adults, what is best for me. I am not alone. I can ask others for help. I am worth working and changing for. I deserve a safe and happy life.

Suzanne Mulligan is the Executive Director of the Community Child Abuse Council of Hamilton-Wentworth. Dr. Donna Mitchell has been with the Council as Curriculum Design and Development Coordinator since the inception of the program, and now shares the development of curriculum for elementary and secondary levels with Joan Fisher. For more information contact the Council c/o Lloyd George School, Room 15, 360 Beach Road, Hamilton, Ontario, LBH 3K4, (416) 549-1353.