Researchers from the Queen’s University based Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet) are partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to study a violence prevention program for Aboriginal communities in Canada and Australia.

Walking the Prevention Circle: Re-Searching Community Capacity Building for Violence Prevention follows Aboriginal traditional methods and provides education and mentoring to create nurturing and stable environments for children and youth.

 “One of the goals of PREVNet is to disseminate evidence based knowledge, strategies, and programs about violence prevention,” says Wendy Craig (Psychology) and scientific co-director of PREVNet, Canada’s authority on research and resources for bullying prevention. “With this opportunity and through this partnership we can work together to reach some vulnerable populations and communities in Canada.”

PREVNet’s seven partnerships include the Canadian and Australian Red Cross, Aboriginal organizations, the RCMP, the Centre for Prevention Science and researchers — all committed to understanding and promoting the project. The study will support Aboriginal communities mobilizing to accelerate the prevention of violence and the promotion of healing.

The $2.5 million in funding is being provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The project will also receive $1.2 million in matching funds from partnering organizations.

Tip sheets, with tools and strategies for addressing bullying, are available at www.prevnet.ca. Find PREVNet on Facebook and Twitter (@prevnet).