Education
Dating Violence Prevention
Far From The Heart is a unique teaching tool. It was originally developed as a theatre presentation in collaboration with a group of teens that empowered youth to speak and act out their thoughts and attitudes about dating violence. The live full-cast play continues to tour in both English and French (Loin du Coeur). An additional live audience opportunity is also available, using the innovative short film accompanied by on-stage interventions with actors. These two programs, as well as the film on this website, are accompanied by the other resources provided here, to offer educators and communities with valuable tools and opportunities for discussion. FFTH is proven to be very effective
in changing attitudes and behaviours around the issues of teenage dating violence, sexual assault and rape and promoting healthy relationships.
Why Use the Far From The Heart Educational Program
86% of all sexual offences reported to the police in 2004 involved girls under the age of 18.
– Ontario Women’s Directorate
up from 63% in 1996
How do you prevent the events that lead to sexual assault or rape? Our response is a multifaceted program based on prevention through education – in this case, a rehearsal for life. FFTH creates a win-win environment through a project that fulfills many curriculum requirements and a process developed by a coalition of educators, artists, social service workers and teenagers.
Download the Teacher Orientation Booklet in English and French
Far From the Heart Ontario Curriculum Connections
Far From The Heart is a step in the right direction to help our youth create environments that nurture safe relationships.
Far From The Heart was created in collaboration with teens. It speaks their language. It involves them actively. It uses “higher learning skills”.
It can help to make change.
Benefits:
Students actively engage in activity that continues the integration and use of the knowledge arising from FFTH.
Students create tools that get the message out to other youth about sexual assault within relationships.
They use the internet and social media to create positive social messages.
“I cannot imagine an investment that has the potential to impact so many students... and provide our staff with the necessary resources to tackle the crucial conversations that must take place related to relationship issues.”
– Mary Anne Alton
Director of Education, Ret., Bluewater District School Board
How to Use Far From The Heart
FFTH provides a number of opportunities and resources for educators. We invite you to:
Download our Educational toolkit in English
and French and use the activities included to prepare students and participants with such activities as “This is What I Think” and “On the Street Interview.”Bring the live theatrical show to your school or community;
Participate in the interactive film
Create violence prevention promotions;
Browse our resources for educators, youth and other interested parties.
Research on FFTH
“Overall, Far From The Heart positively impacted youth participants, equipping them with skills and knowledge to better navigate resources and address gender-based violence.”
– from A Report on Sheatre's Far From the Heart, by the Students Commission of Canada (2019)
Download Report
“Far From the Heart works to successfully increase students’ knowledge and shift attitudes”
– University of Regina
Community Research Unit (2012)
Download Report
“A great tool for helping young people learn about the realities of sexual violence.”
– Women’s Post
Tools for Community Partners
Social work, health care, justice and recreation workers are integral to the process of Far From the Heart. They talk with the students to explore the issues more deeply and to engage them in personal conversations. If someone needs their counsel, the students now have a friendly face to go with the service.
For information, download the Facilitator Orientation Booklet
Disponsible en français: Loin du Coeur: Guide de Formation pour Animateur
Community agencies have sponsored many presentations in schools and community settings. Interested in booking a live show?
Far From the Heart is a production of Sheatre
“There are already requests to our Domestic Violence Committee to have you return again another year.”
– Ms. Terri Regimbal
Crown Attorney, District of Temiskaming
Co-Chair, Community Abuse Advisory Committee
