Early intervention program for Kingston area schools aims to prevent gender-based violence

A new partnership between the John Howard Society of Kingston & District and Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) Kingston has culminated in the launch of 'Rewire: Empowering Youth for Healthy Relationships,' a new early intervention program aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV).

Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services as part of Ontario’s Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, this innovative group-based initiative will be delivered to students and staff across local school boards, including the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB). As previously reported, Kingston City Council formally declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in October 2023. IPV is a "prevalent form of gender-based violence," which "refers to multiple forms of harm caused by a current or former intimate partner or spouse," according to Women and Gender Equality Canada.

According to a press release from the John Howard Society and SAC Kingston, “Rewire” is designed to engage youth in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, and responsible behaviour both online and offline. The program supports area staff and students in engaging in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships. According to research by Dr. Wendy Craig of Queen's University, many educators feel underprepared in this area. 

“Limestone [District School Board] was our original partner when submitting the grant proposal, but we are expanding the program to Algonquin [and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board], and Upper Canada [District School Board] as the program evolves,” shared Julie Langan, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Kingston & District, in an email.

Beginning in late September 2025, "Our staff will be delivering the groups in partnership with staff from the Sexual Assault Centre of Kingston,"  Langan explained, noting that program delivery will begin with the support staff at area schools, and then move on to groups of support staff delivering the program to students.

"Our staff, Brendan Lorimer and Kathleen White, have over 10 years of experience delivering gender-based violence [programming] to adults," Langan shared.

“We are hoping to engage grades six and up, as we know that youth are starting to engage in relationships around this age, but it will be responsive to the individual school board,” Langan said. 

By leveraging community-based expertise and emerging trends in GBV prevention, Rewire offers a proactive, evidence-informed approach to fostering safer, more respectful relationships, according to program organizers. The program has six main objectives:

• Foster Respectful Relationships: Teach youth the fundamentals of healthy, non-violent relationships through exploration of boundaries, communication, and empathy.
• Combat Harmful Media Influences: Help participants critically analyze the impact of internet pornography, social media, and unrealistic portrayals of relationships.
• Empower Personal Responsibility: Equip young people with the tools to understand power dynamics and use influence responsibly in their personal and social lives.
• Teach Stress Management: Provide practical strategies for managing stress and frustration without resorting to aggression.
• Promote Digital Citizenship: Educate youth on respectful online engagement and the consequences of cyberbullying and harassment.

Rewire Coordinator Brendan Lorimer shared, “Rewire is a collaboration rooted in prevention, aiming to equip youth with the tools many adults wish they’d had. 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.” 

"Much of our work in this sector is focused on the impact of violence that has already occurred," added Kirsi Hunnakko, Executive Director of SAC Kingston. "We're excited to partner with the John Howard Society to head upstream and deliver this critical program that aims to stop violence before it starts by empowering youth to recognize and create healthy relationships and practice non-violent ways to manage stress and conflict."

For those coordinating the program, having two local agencies with established visibility and experience team up to offer Rewire is pivotal in addressing GBV. 

“This partnership represents a new step forward in how we support youth in our catchment,” said Langan. “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 prevent gender-based violence cycles and prevent future justice involvement.”

For more information about the Rewire program or to inquire about participation, contact Julie Langan at julie.langan@jhskd.ca.

More information on the John Howard Society of Kingston & District can be found on the organization's website, and further information on Sexual Assault Centre Kingston can be found on their website.