STEPPING UP: A PEER-TO-PEER DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROJECT ON A POST-SECONDARY CAMPUS

Abstract

The purpose of the Stepping Up project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a peer-facilitated dating violence prevention program for post-secondary students. Phase I of the program focused on recruiting and training student peer- facilitators, adapting the curriculum for a post-secondary population, developing the evaluation measures, ethics clearance, and establishing community partners and an advisory committee. Phase II included recruiting participants, implementing Stepping Up and completing pre, post, and follow-up measures. To consolidate learning the students then completed prevention projects and presented them to the university campus community. Repeated evaluations showed that students had increased knowledge about dating violence and resources and these changes persisted over time. Use of peers as facilitators and community partner involvement contributed to success. Challenges included scheduling the weekend, the time commitment for facilitators and participants, and project resources. Stepping Up is compatible with an academic setting with benefits for both the students and the institution.

Keywords

• dating violence
• post-secondary students
• prevention
• education
• peer training