The frequently asked questions section represent some of the common inquiries BCSTH gets from PEACE Programs about the preparation and delivery of the VIP Program. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please do not hesitate to use the VIP listserv as a resource. If you would like to be signed up for the VIP listserv, please contact BCSTH.
Question: How many VIP presentations are we expected to do in each classroom?
Answer: The hope is that PEACE programs can deliver 2-4 total presentations in each classroom. The curriculum can be adjusted for a single classroom presentation, however 2 or more is ideal. Some programs that have long-standing relationships with their local schools may require less time to set up presentations and as a result may be able to do more presentations. In other communities, PEACE programs may simply be working to build relationships with schools to offer more presentations in the future. Both options are fine and BCSTH supports all VIP programs who are nourishing and building relationships within schools and the community.
Question: How do we address violence against men in the VIP Program?
Answer: The VIP Program aims to create safe spaces for conversations about healthy and unhealthy relationships, making space to address all types of violence and to address the reality that women and men can both be victims of relationship violence. However, it is important for PEACE and VIP Programs to highlight the statistics and historical evidence that women are at greater risk for being victims of domestic violence.
Question: How does the VIP Program support 2SLGBTQQIA+ populations?
Answer: BCSTH recommends highlighting in VIP presentations that healthy relationship conversations are inclusive of all types of relationships. The VIP Program is not specifically designed to support one type of relationship, rather, the healthy relationship conversation offers themes, tools and strategies for encouraging healthy and safe relationships for all. BCSTH’s mission and mandate is to prevent violence against all women, self-identified women, children and youth and the VIP Program is designed to educate on the prevalence of violence against women and to welcome all school-aged children and youth to participate in our mission to reduce gender-based violence.
There may be a local Pride group, a school diversity club, or a sexual health educator in your community who specializes in supporting the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. It is okay for PEACE Program counsellor to not be an expert in all areas and BCSTH recommends that PEACE Programs build relationships with other community resources to enhance the network of support.
Question: What schools are eligible to receive VIP presentations?
Answer: All schools are eligible to receive VIP presentations, including public schools, private schools, and religious schools.
Question:On what can we spend the VIP honorarium?
Answer: The VIP honorarium is intended to help your PEACE Program offer the VIP Program to local schools by covering some of the related expenses incurred by delivering the VIP Program. Depending on your organization’s needs, some
ideas as to how to spend your honorarium may include:
• Developing short videos or pre-recorded sessions if unable to deliver presentations in person.
• Providing a volunteer or co-facilitator subsidy.
• Purchasing psycho-educational materials, games and books to be used as part of VIP programming.
• Language translation of VIP Program materials.
• Transportation costs related to VIP Program delivery.
• Printing, photocopying, mailing, information and public awareness materials.