Breaking Down Walls

Teenagers are often feel disempowered as a result of being exposed to acts of violence and abuse against their mothers. Given that autonomy is such an important part of adolescence, this disempowerment creates turmoil to these youth.

Breaking Down Walls is for youth ages 13 to 16 years who are group ready and are experiencing conflicts due to the violence that is being directed towards their mothers.

Teen participating in the program work with a variety of expressive mediums such as clay, paint, drama and song to convey their experiences through art. By talking about their creation, and not themselves directly, the teens are able to express how the violence and abuse has affected their lives.

This program consists of ten sessions each focusing on a different central conflict.

Some of the sessions topics include:

d  Power in relationships

d  Safety skills

d  Anger and conflict resolution

d  Breaking the cycle of violence

d  Dating violence and social action

d  Dismantling gender stereo types

This group is offered in Brampton and Mississauga one evening per week for 10 consecutive weeks.

Each group is comprised  of eight teens (four boys and four girls and is preceded by an assessment interview.

A teen can self-refer or be referred by his/her school, police or a social service agency by calling 905.450.1608  X119.

Facilitators of the program are trained by the HEAL network and often have extensive experience working with teens who have been exposed to woman abuse.

A program curriculum for Breaking Down Walls is available.