Respectful Relationships (R+R)
R+R is a school-based violence prevention initiative designed to reduce the incidence of relationship violence in the lives of teens by helping them to develop the skills and attitudes they need for healthy and respectful relationships with peers and intimate partners.  The long term vision is to create schools and communities where teens and adults know how to build positive, satisfying relationships of equality, respect and mutual support with those closest to them, and how to treat those less close with tolerance and consideration. 
The program is delivered to Grades 7 to 10 through a partnership with our local school district.  The curriculum for each grade consists of 12 sessions, and is delivered progressively--that is, each year builds on the previous year's learning.  Students are taught and modeled fundamental life skills, such as respect, empathy, and conflict resolution.  Further to that, they are taught to become analytical thinkers and to develops self-awareness around the social viruses that plague our relationships--racism, sexism, and homophobia to name a few. 
Developed by SWOVA (Salt Spring Island Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse), Respectful Relationships has received provincial and national recognition. The program has also received a citation by United Nation Habitat for best practice in working with youth towards change. 

You can learn more about SWOVA and the development of the program by visiting:
http://respectfulrelationships.swova.org

2009/2010 funding was received from the Canadian Women's Foundation.