Preventing Online Sexual Violence Against Youth with a Peer-Based Prevention Approach (PBPA)

The Peer-Based Prevention Approach (PBPA) is Marie-Vincent’s first prevention program for teenagers. Developed with the support of Public Safety Canada, it was created following numerous youth-led and youth-focused prevention activities conducted by Marie-Vincent between 2017 and 2019 in high schools across Greater Montréal.

PBPA is a prevention and awareness program that directly involves young people in addressing online sexual violence. By involving youths in prevention efforts, this initiative helps foster a safer school environment and increase awareness of digital risks.

The continuation of this project is made possible through funding from the Secrétariat à la jeunesse.

Key Statistics

Nearly 1 in 4 youths

(23%) who have been in a romantic relationship have shared intimate images with a partner. Of these, 16% reported that the images were shared without their consent.

More than one-third of girls

(36%) reported being asked to send nude or sexually suggestive photos.

More than 1 in 7 boys

(16%) reported being asked to send nude or sexually suggestive photos.

1 in 4 youths

reported receiving a nude or sexually explicit image of someone else that was shared without that person’s permission.
Source: “No to Sexual Cyberviolence for Our Youth!” – Marie-Vincent

Who Is the Peer Prevention Approach For?

  • Frontline workers, professionals, and teachers working with youths
  • Young people who want to actively contribute to the prevention of online sexual violence

The youths selected as peer trainers are chosen for their leadership, empathy, and ability to positively influence their peers.

Objectives

  • Actively engage youth in creating a safer school environment.
  • Equip youths with the knowledge and tools to lead awareness workshops on sexual cyberviolence.
  • Educate older elementary (Grade 5-6) and younger high school students (Secondary 1-2) on the dangers of online sexual violence and ways to protect themselves.

Approach and Content

Through youth-led awareness workshops, PBPA empowers young people, helps them develop critical thinking skills, and raises their awareness of online sexual violence.

For youths participating in peer-led workshops, this approach fosters open discussions in an inclusive and egalitarian environment, allowing participants to share experiences with peers who understand their viewpoint.

The PBPA program is implemented in two phases:

 

1. Selection and Training of Peer Trainers

A group of peer trainers is selected and undergoes 15 hours of training to prepare them to lead awareness workshops for younger students. The training covers:

  • Youth digital habits and negative online experiences
  • Forms of online sexual violence
  • Workshop facilitation and classroom management techniques
  • How to become a leader and role model

 

2. Awareness Workshops Led by Peer Trainers

Once trained, peer trainers lead workshops for Secondary 1-2 students (and sometimes Grade 5-6 students). The workshops cover topics such as:

  • Live streaming and online issues
  • Social influence and peer pressure
  • Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
  • Consent
  • Manipulation tactics used online
  • Self-protection strategies
  • Social media and self-esteem

 

For more information, contact us at prevention@marie-vincent.org.

Training

Module 1 : Prevention and Intervention in the Context of Online Sexual Violence – Best Practices

Module 2 : Implementing a Peer-Led Online Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy (PBPA)

Upon completing the training, participants receive copies of the program tools.

iscover Module 1

Tools

Peer Trainer Training Guide

A guide to help frontline workers, professionals, and teachers implement the PBPA program and train future peer trainers.

Workshop Facilitation Guides

Two guides designed to support peer trainers in facilitating workshops at the high school and elementary levels.

Peer Trainer Reference Cards

Durable cards summarizing workshop steps and key messages to help peer trainers facilitate sessions.

Video Clips

Four short videos used as introductory material for peer-led workshops.

Parent-Youth Discussion Sheets

Four discussion sheets developed to help parents and significant adults continue conversations at home.

Posters

Two posters available to promote the PBPA program in schools and community settings.