ANNUAL SSAC SYMPOSIUM
AMDSB and HPCDSB Collaborate with STOP VAW to Support Students Navigating Gender-Based Violence

Mental Health Leads of Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), Heather Hirdes, and Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB), Kaitie Westbrook, in collaboration with the Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County (StopVAW), hosted this year's annual School Services Advisory Committee (SSAC) Symposium titled, "Recognize, Respond, Refer: A School-Based Approach to Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)" on September 16.

HPCDSB and AMDSB invited members of Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County (StopVAW) to share their expertise regarding gender based violence at this year's annual School Services Advisory Committee Symposium. Left to Right: Heather Hirdes, AMDSB Mental Health Lead; Julia Church, Emily Murphy Centre; Alicia Houston, Optimism Place; Jennifer Olenewa, Optimism Place; Marg Guerts, Perth OPP; Kristy Poulter, HP CAS; McKala Middegaal, HP CAS; Kaitie Westbrook, HPCDSB

This year's symposium was attended by community school-based service providers and managers who had the opportunity to connect, network, and build capacity to better recognize, respond to, and refer students who disclose gender-based violence.

This year's topic was an important professional development opportunity as it continued the conversation from the 2023 SSAC Symposium, where participants focused on recognizing human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and delved deeper to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, how to handle disclosures of abuse or an assault, and where to refer students in the community. This ongoing commitment to professional development, evidence-based care, and continuity of service across the district directly aligns with the school boards' commitment to the implementation of Ministry of Education's PPM169.

The SSAC is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of youth in our community, which is why it is important to recognize that 95 municipalities in Ontario have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic including the City of Stratford and the Town of Goderich (retrieved from buildingabiggerwave.org). These statistics require service providers to remain vigilant and well versed in understanding the needs of youth and families in our local community context.

This annual SSAC Symposium underscores the importance of seamless system navigation and service pathways for students. This initiative builds on the collaborative efforts of past programs, ensuring that school-based service providers remain equipped to meet the evolving needs of young people and help create safer, more supportive learning environments.