Several students from TR Leger recently created a video in order to spread awareness about teen dating violence. The video "I Didn't Know But Now I Do" was officially launched at the former General Vanier school in Cornwall, which is now home to TR Leger, and was warmly received by everyone in the school's community room.
The actors and writers of the video are all students at TR Leger: Nathaniel Cranshaw, Kaitty Ladouceur, Storm Bellmore-Tuttle, Tina Wilson and Arlene Anderson while Justin Merpaw, a CCVS student, was responsible the editor and videographer.
Sarah Kaplan, manager for the Assault and Sexual Abuse Program (ASAP) at the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH), was the coordinator of the video. "I pitched it to the students and told them they would get academic credit."
The video deals with violence and sexual assault among teens who believe there is nowhere to turn to for help. But as the video develops, the teens realize they could have gotten help if they would have known about ASAP. "It helped me to recognize what to do when something like this (dating violence) happens," said Cranshaw. ASAP provides a caring voice and the staff will investigate and help, and call the police if needed and/or requested.
The video was filmed at TR's former location on Campbell Street and "it has the heart of your people in this community," said TR Leger Teacher Julie Duchesne.
Among those in attendance for the video launch was Cornwall Community Police Chief Dan Parkinson. "I can't avoid talking about how important this issue is for us. We (the police force) experience domestic violence far too often," explained Parkinson. Although the video also touches a little on men being victims of assault and violence, Parkinson said "the bottom line is this is a man issue."
The 10-minute video is available in many Upper Canada District School Board schools. "It was created to reach out to the community and inform them of our program," said CCH Chief Executive Officer Jeanette Despatie. For more information about ASAP call the hospital at 613-932-3300 ext. 4552 or visit www.cornwallhospital.ca/asap
