New Program Launches in Kingston Schools to Combat Gender Violence

A new initiative has been launched in the Kingston area with the goal of preventing gender-based violence (GBV) among youth. The program, titled “Rewire: Empowering Youth for Healthy Relationships,” is the result of a partnership between the John Howard Society of Kingston & District and the Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) Kingston. Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, this program will be integrated into local schools including the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB).

In October 2023, Kingston city council officially declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures. IPV is characterized as a prevalent form of GBV, defined by Women and Gender Equality Canada as harm caused by a current or former intimate partner or spouse. The “Rewire” program aims to foster discussions among youth regarding healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, and responsible behavior both online and offline.

According to a press release from the John Howard Society and SAC Kingston, the program is designed to equip students and staff with the tools necessary to engage in meaningful conversations about relationship dynamics. Julie Langan, the Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Kingston & District, explained that the initiative began with LDSB but is expanding to include ALCDSB and the Upper Canada District School Board as the program develops.

The program is set to commence in late September 2025, with staff from both organizations delivering group sessions. Langan noted that the initial focus will be on support staff, who will later facilitate sessions directly with students. “Our staff, Brendan Lorimer and Kathleen White, bring over ten years of experience in gender-based violence programming for adults,” Langan said. The target demographic includes students from grade six onwards, as this is when many begin to form their first relationships.

The “Rewire” initiative seeks to leverage community-based expertise and contemporary trends in GBV prevention, offering a proactive approach to fostering safer and more respectful relationships. The program has outlined six main objectives aimed at empowering youth and reducing instances of violence. Lorimer remarked, “Rewire is a collaboration rooted in prevention. Thanks to this provincial funding, we now have the opportunity to bring this important work into classrooms and hopefully prevent future harm before it starts.”

Adding to this sentiment, Kirsi Hunnakko, Executive Director of SAC Kingston, emphasized the importance of shifting focus upstream. “Much of our work in this sector is focused on the impact of violence that has already occurred. We’re excited to partner with the John Howard Society to deliver this critical program that aims to stop violence before it starts by empowering youth to recognize and create healthy relationships,” she stated.

For those involved in the program, the collaboration between two established local agencies represents a significant step forward in addressing GBV. Langan remarked, “By working together, we’re creating a space where young people can learn, grow, and challenge harmful norms in a supportive environment. This program aims to break the cycles of gender-based violence and prevent future justice involvement.”

For more information about the “Rewire” program or to inquire about participation, individuals can contact Julie Langan at [email protected]. Additional details about the John Howard Society of Kingston & District and the Sexual Assault Centre Kingston can be found on their respective websites.