The cycle of domestic violence can be broken. The first step is to recognize that the problem exists in all communities and to find a way to do something about it. The Toronto Police Service is committed to helping stop domestic violence. It is a crime against not only the victim, but also against all family members, especially children and the elderly who witness these horrible events.

In January 2005, members of the Domestic Violence Section of the Toronto Police Service approached Professor Paul Shecter from Seneca College at York University. Professor Shecter instructs a course entitled “Graphic Arts for Social Change” in the three-year Graphic Design Program. This course is unique in Canada, in that it is the only community college that teaches social marketing from the perspective of behaviour modification.

Students are taught the methodology of producing effective marketing and advertising campaigns. It is very important that the resultant graphic design work target a prevailing and current social issue. It was therefore suggested that this year’s class of students address the issue of domestic violence and in particular, relationship violence amongst a target audience.

I had the privilege of working with a group of talented young people like Adam Muto, Megan Petracco, Guiliano Rosati, and Umar Bacchus. Our group was given the task of targeting domestic violence in the Filipino and Korean communities. It was incredible to see that, even before our classroom sessions; Adam, Megan, Guiliano and Umar had already done some extensive research on the internet and interviewed Filipina women in the community. They were able to articulate social issues surrounding Filipina caregivers and the challenges of Filipinas victimized by domestic violence. Adam also took over a hundred pictures to use for the campaign.

The challenge was how to best portray domestic violence to our target group. My suggestion was to go out and meet with Filipino community agencies or groups who have first-hand knowledge of the issues. Joy Sioson, Director of The Philippine Women Centre of Ontario was the first to step up and offer the PWC-ON centre as the meeting place. Flor Dandal, Director of Kababayan Community Centre also joined in for the brainstorming session. The students were able to formulate a more complete picture regarding the experiences and difficult situations facing our Filipina women. We are particularly proud of the members of PWC-ON for also stepping up to voice their values, visions and ideas through meaningful message to the target audience.

"This project has been an incredible experience for us. We have all learned so much about both the Philippine and Korean communities, as well as domestic abuse and how it exist anywhere.” said the group of young graphic designers.

On February 24, 2010, the students presented the finished product at the Toronto Police Service – Police College. Each group had the opportunity to share their experiences working with community partners and how they were able to portray those experiences in their design. On hand for the event were Directors and members from of Domestic Violence Care Centres from; Scarborough Grace Hospital, Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Women’s College Hospital, Victim Services and Tropicana Community Services. Adam, Megan, Guiliano, and Umar all did an excellent job with their presentation and were all commended for a job well done.

“We have never been more proud of ourselves than when we were presenting our work to all of the members of the different communities at the police college. Thank you all so much!" noted the group.

This is another successful campaign in delivering Toronto Police Service Priorities which focused on Violence against Women, Addressing Community Safety Issues and working with our community partners and youth.

One of the corporate partners of The Toronto Police Service is the One Stop Network. Don’t be surprised to see the finished poster out there in our communities, advertising an important message on domestic violence.

“Lets all step up and Stop Domestic Violence!”

Should you have any questions, please contact me at (416) 808-7071 or email me at philip.mendoza@torontopolice.on.ca

Cop in Touch