Training needs in dating violence prevention among school staff in Québec, Canada

Abstract

Introduction: School staff play a central role in youth sexual health education (SHE), making them critical actors in dating violence (DV) prevention initiatives. However, since most school staff do not benefit from specific training on SHE, they often report feeling challenged in their roles as sex educators. The mention of a lack of self-efficacy to prevent DV is a concern as self-efficacy is associated with the motivation of adopting new behaviors. To optimize the scope of actions used to prevent DV, the SPARX program team sought to identify priority training needs using a mixed-methods design. Methods: In the quantitative component of this study, 108 school staff completed an online survey regarding their sense of ease, self-efficacy and barriers faced in regard to DV prevention. For the qualitative component, 15 school staff participated in an individual semi-structured interview, sharing their experiences preventing DV. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the survey data, while direct content analysis using the self-efficacy theory concept was conducted on the interviews. Results: To feel confident, school staff members need to learn about DV and healthy relationships and clarify their role in DV prevention. Turnkey activities, preformulated answers to adolescents’ questions, and strategies to reassure reluctant parents can strengthen staff’s sense of self-efficacy. Members of the school staff also want to feel supported and encouraged by their colleagues and school administration in their efforts to prevent DV. Discussion: The results highlight the importance of providing training beyond acquisition of knowledge, which can improve attitudes toward DV prevention and a sense of self-efficacy used to transmit content and intervention.