FAMILY SERVICE CANADA - Parental Perceptions of Children's Exposure to Violence

Parental Awareness and Attitudes about their Children’s Exposure to Violence Project

In partnership with the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) and with the financial support of Nestle Canada Inc., Family Service Canada has been working on this exciting research project since October 2001. The project aims to determine, through a literature review, public opinion poll and focus groups, Canadian parents’ level of awareness and their perceptions about their children’s exposure to various forms of violence in society. The research component of this project was completed in June 2002 and an Executive Summary of the results can be viewed and downloaded.

Following the compilation of an interim report on the findings, researched and written by a senior policy analyst with CCSD, Family Service Canada organised a one-day national consultation, called the Together We Can Forum, to consult with a wide range of key stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. The list of participants included representation from groups and sectors ranging from respected academics, counselors and therapists, parents, sporting association, media awareness groups, the private sector and other not-for profit representatives from across Canada. This group of over 20 representatives met on June 26, 2002 in Toronto to discuss the findings and to propose a number of possible actions that could be taken and materials that could be created to support Canadian parents in increasing their awareness of the harmful impact of violence in all its forms on the health and pro-social development of their children.

Following the Together We Can Forum, a Final Report, combining the research findings and the feedback and recommendations for action of the stakeholders, will be released to the public. As the sponsor of this important work, Nestle Canada Inc. intends to announce their company’s commitment to Canadian parents with regards to the reduction of the harmful impact of children’s exposure to violence in all its forms during 2003.

A full copy of the report, as well as a summary can be downloaded from the CCSD's website.