Building Safer Communities
Preventing violence before it begins—and breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse—requires a community-wide approach.
By helping youth, adults, professionals, and communities better understand intimate partner violence and the foundations of healthy relationships, we can reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and strengthen our collective ability to recognize and respond to abuse.
Whether we're speaking in a classroom, boardroom, synagogue, community centre, or conference hall, our goal is the same: to increase understanding of intimate partner violence, promote healthy relationships, and equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to support someone who may be experiencing abuse.
Preventing intimate partner violence is a shared responsibility.
The Scope of our Prevention Work
Our prevention programming is designed to reach people at every stage of life and across every sector of the community. From children learning about healthy friendships to professionals strengthening their response to abuse, each initiative contributes to building safer communities.
-
Our Healthy Relationships workshops engage youth of all genders in meaningful conversations about respect, boundaries, communication, and gender dynamics. These discussions extend beyond romantic relationships, offering tools that are just as vital in friendships, family life, and everyday interactions.
-
Presentations in CEGEPs, universities and community organizations help young adults understand how to differentiate between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships, how trauma affects the the brain, as well as what they can do to make a difference.
-
Presentations for service professionals (including health care workers, social services providers and lawyers) look at the prevalence of intimate partner violence and how to recognize it. Participants will leave these presentations with tools and resources to better support survivors.
-
Auberge Shalom offers engaging presentations for community groups, synagogues, fundraising events, and other gatherings. Depending on the audience, presentations may explore topics such as healthy relationships, the realities of intimate partner violence, and how to support someone who may be experiencing abuse.
-
For members of the Orthodox Jewish community, Auberge Shalom offers tailored presentations on topics including healthy relationships, recognizing abuse and how to help a friend.
If you think your organization, school or community group could benefit from one of our workshops or educational programs, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Work in Action!
We are fortunate to work alongside a vibrant network of schools, community organizations, professionals, and partners who share our commitment to preventing intimate partner violence and supporting survivors.
Meet n’ Learn For Family Law Professionals
Recently, Auberge Shalom partnered with Robinson, Sheppard, Shapiro to host a Meet 'n' Learn for family lawyers.
Co-facilitated by Auberge Shalom counsellor Tegan Webster and family lawyer Carly Flam, the session brought together clinical and legal perspectives to explore the realities of intimate partner violence.
Topics included recognizing the signs of intimate partner violence, screening for abuse, and applying a trauma-informed approach when supporting clients.
Healthy Relationship Workshops in schools
One of the most rewarding aspects of Auberge Shalom's school-based prevention work is witnessing the curiosity, maturity, and openness that students bring to these conversations. Students consistently make thoughtful connections between healthy relationships and the friendships, families, media, and online spaces that shape their daily lives.
These discussions help equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to recognize the difference between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and support friends who may one day need their help.
Workshop for Young Adults
Auberge Shalom partnered with L’Annexe: the Ometz Centre for Young Adults to offer a free interactive workshop created specifically for young adults.
The 90-minute session gave participants an opportunity to better understand how growing up around conflict, chaos, or tension can affect the brain and nervous system. Facilitated by two Auberge Shalom clinical counsellors, the workshop also introduced practical tools for grounding, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.
“I know we are doing our job right when the school bell rings for recess, but the students want to stay behind and ask us all their questions, rather than play outside!”
A Healthy Relationships Toolkit for Summer Camps!
Summer camps have long been known to have a positive influence on both children and teens’ personal and social development. Attending summer camp is also often the first-time youth are away from their parents, providing a unique context in which self-discovery, autonomy, and new experiences can be prioritized.
The role that camps play in youth’s development is becoming more and more critical. Studies have shown that today’s youth are struggling with making friends, loneliness, poor self-esteem, and other mental health issues.
It is with this in mind that we developed this toolkit : to help equip Jewish summer camps with tools and activities that can be easily integrated into camp life and that promote resilience, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and inclusivity and equality.
“When a counselor approached me after one of our workshops to tell me it was one of the most useful workshops she’s ever done, I knew we were on to something. Summer camps provide an environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow more independent, and gain new experiences. If youth are given the right tools and skills, camps are an ideal place where youth can actively learn, model, and practice healthy relationships in a sustained, meaningful way.
”
Let’s Work Together
Whether you're a school, synagogue, community organization, workplace, or professional team, we'd be happy to discuss a workshop that meets your needs. Complete the form below to learn more, ask questions, or inquire about booking a workshop. We'll be in touch soon.