Recognizing and understanding family violence is an important part of community safety.
Through The Today Centre's education program, we help service providers and community members gain knowledge and skills to better recognize and respond to family violence. Participants are challenged to rethink common family violence myths and stereotypes that make it difficult for people to access services, and learn about local community services to help connect people in need.
Participant Feedback
“Family violence is something that is quite common in my patient population, so it is important to be aware of and be educated in the basics so that I can better care for my patients and their families.”
99%
of participants in 2020/2021 said the workshop they attended will enhance their work with clients
Professional Development for Service Providers
introduction to family violence
This is an introductory workshop for anyone who would like to learn the basics about family violence, or as a refresher. Participants will examine types of violence, understand the role of power and barriers to support, gain skills to better respond to disclosures, and information on community resources.
Please note, this 1 – 3 hour workshop can be customized to suit your agency’s needs.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually. Microsoft Teams link will be provided the day before the workshop.
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“My understanding of types of family violence is increased and I feel more confident to work with the client who disclosed the family violence experience with me, and I could use the skills I learned today, such as empathy, active listening, to address client's needs, validate her/his feelings, listen to their story without jumping into giving advice."
"This workshop has made me more aware of the nuances of the (updated) cycle of violence and the greater prevalence than I understood before."
Family violence Across the lifespan
Family Violence Across the Lifespan is an engaging training that gives service providers a basic understanding of family violence in four sessions. Participants will learn about types of abuse, cycle of abuse, dispel common family violence myths, understand barriers, safety planning and how to respond to disclosures. Participants will also examine the impacts of family violence on children, seniors, newcomers, and those in LGBTQ+ relationships. This training aims to develop skills to identify, respond and support clients within their organization and community.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually. Microsoft Teams link will be provided the day before the workshop.
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"This training has really helped me to reflect on aspects of family violence that I had not fully considered before. I think it will help me improve as a service provider because it made me more aware of the complexity of family violence issues.”
"This knowledge will allow me to better serve individuals in the community because I am more aware and able to reflect on the wide-reaching affects of family violence."
Workshops for Youth
Junior High
The Today Centre offers Healthy Relationship Workshops for junior high aged school groups that align with the learning outcomes outlined in the Health and Life Skills portion of Alberta’s curriculum. Using a combination of foundational learning sessions mixed with hands-on activities and videos, this workshop explores relationship choices, understanding and expressing feelings, and safety and responsibility within relationships.
This workshop is offered in-person.
Senior High
The Today Centre offers Healthy Relationship Workshops for senior high aged school groups that align with the learning outcomes outlined in the Career and Life Management portion of Alberta’s curriculum. Using a combination of foundational learning sessions mixed with hands-on activities and videos, this workshop explores relationship choices, understanding and expressing feelings, and safety and responsibility within relationships.
This workshop is offered in-person.
children and youth
The Today Centre offers Healthy Relationship Workshops for children and youth that help them develop essential skills for maintaining healthy relationships and promoting healthy relationships for themselves and others. Using a combination of foundational learning sessions mixed with hands-on activities and videos, this workshop explores relationship choices, understanding and expressing feelings, and safety and responsibility within relationships.
This workshop is offered in-person with age-appropriate learning catered to desired learning audience.
Workshops for Salon Professionals
Cut it Out
Cut It Out is a workshop developed by Western University’s Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. It educates salon professionals to recognize, respond, and refer clients who might be experiencing family violence.
Book a live workshop with our Education Specialist or watch the pre-recorded training video. Once you complete your training, get a certificate of completion here.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually.
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"I will be more understanding and empathetic towards clients."
"I gained knowledge of what information to give clients that are dealing with violence."
Workshops for Everyone
How to help a friend
This workshop is for anyone (suitable for all ages) that is interested in learning how to support a loved one that is experiencing family violence. This 45 minute workshop covers: how to start a conversation with a friend, information about The Today Centre, signs that our friends might need support, barriers for asking for help, how to have a helping conversation, and positive ways to respond to family violence.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually.
understanding & supporting someone experiencing family violence
This workshop is for community groups who want to learn how to support someone in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Topics discussed include examining types of violence, understanding the role of power, responding to disclosures of violence, barriers faced by those targeted by violence and providing community resources.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually.
The Today Centre Information Session
Would your group or agency like to learn more about The Today Centre? This 45-minute long presentation will introduce you to and answer your questions about The Today Centre.
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually.
REAL Talk: Break the Cycle of Violence
This free workshop is offered in partnership with Sagesse Calgary and is a part of CIAFV’s award winning Keep it REAL campaign which provides informal supporters the tools and language to disrupt the cycles of violence
This workshop can be delivered in person or virtually.