Over one-half (51%) of Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of sexual or physical violence. Of these women, almost 60% were the targets of more than one such incident.

-- The Violence Against Women Survey. Statistics Canada, 1993.

“Stronger Selves, Stronger Lives” is an experiential learning and public education project run by Serve Canada from November 2004 to June 2005 with the purpose of preventing crime and violence against women and girls. This project is partially funded through the Government of Canada’s National Crime Prevention Strategy and the City of Toronto’s Access and Equity Grant Program.

Over the duration of the project, a team of diverse young women actively participate in service work and community development initiatives as they work in conjunction with community partners. The project team, which has given themselves the team name of S.W.A.T. (Stronger Women Advocating Together), will also be engaged in ongoing educational, team-based and personal development activities.

The team has the following community partners for their community service projects:

• December 6 Fund of Toronto
  Assisting with the annual subway campaign & fundraiser
• Nelson Mandela Park Public School
  Organizing and facilitating weekly sessions with girls (grade 5 to 8) on healthy relationships, self-esteem, body image, and violence prevention
• Sistering
  Organizing and delivering weekly afternoon social/recreational activities for marginalized and vulnerable women in a drop-in setting.
• Task Force To Bring Back The Don
  Planning and delivering outdoor activities for groups and focusing on issues of safety in public spaces for women and girls
• Windfall Clothing Service
  Assisting with organizing clothing for distribution to shelters

Thanks to all who participated in the creation of “She Speaks: A Community Approach to Violence Prevention and Healthy Relationships.” From content to design, we appreciate the input, support and feedback we have received regarding this project.

We are very proud to make this resource book available, free of charge, to community agencies and organizations that work with youth. You may download a copy from the link below, or request a copy by calling our office at 416-933-2950.

Agencies are encouraged to arrange for pick-up from our centre whenever possible. As we have a limited number of copies, availability is first-come, first-served.

download the book in Adobe PDF

fill out an order form

read a review

Have comments for us? Contact Us.

Are you or someone you know having problems due to physical, emotional, psychological or sexual violence/abuse? Being harassed? Need info on where you can go for help? Contact the following community resources and 24-hour crisis lines:

Assaulted Women’s Helpline : 416-863-0511
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre : 416-597-8808
Distress Centre : 416-408-4357
Kids Help Phone : 1-800-668-6868

Chimene, Stephanie, Diana, Anika, Sheena,
Tara, Sherry, Jasamine, Marika, Cheryl
Rhonda Major (Team Facilitator)
Sherri Manko (Program Assistant – College Placement)

This project is supported by the following major donors: