Far From the Heart: Report on the Effectiveness of Forum Theatre as an Educational Tool regarding Youth Dating Violence and Sexual Assault in Saskatchewan Schools

Abstract

Sheatre’s Far From the Heart, developed in collaboration with a group of teens under professional direction, is a Forum Theatre presentation with an innovative approach that challenges youth to speak and act out their thoughts and attitudes surrounding dating violence. The purpose of this research was to get a broad sense of the literature surrounding adolescent prevention programs for dating violence, statistics surrounding sexual assault and dating violence particularly pertaining to youth, and the use of Forum Theatre as an effective educational tool for changes in attitude and/or behavior. The report explored key demographic considerations and statistics, dating violence prevention programs, Forum Theatre as an educational tool, methodology, survey analysis, and best practices. The research highlighted the demonstrable need for further dating violence prevention programs across Canada.