Introduction Post-separation violence - let me begin with considering the subtle flaws of the phrase itself. It is often thought that separation from a violent, abusive spouse signals the end of violence. The prefix 'post' suggests that the separation itself is a permanent state of liberation. But what frequently happens in reality is rather different … Continue reading The realities of ‘post-separation violence’
Home visitation to prevent family violence: The potential and the challenges
What is home visitation? According to the Alberta Home Visitation Network Association (AHVNA), ‘Home visitation is a voluntary free-of-charge program for Alberta families with children from newborn to six years of age. Priority is given to children in the 0-3 years age range.’ (Link) Through weekly visits, home visitors can confer with parents to strengthen … Continue reading Home visitation to prevent family violence: The potential and the challenges
Supported inter-agency referrals for survivors – A new model of action is needed
What is a referral? In medicine, referral is the transfer of care for a patient from one clinician or clinic to another by request. Generally speaking, it is an act of referring someone or something for consultation, review, or further action. What are the steps involved in performing a referral? How should a referral be … Continue reading Supported inter-agency referrals for survivors – A new model of action is needed
April 28, 2017 – The removal of Conditional Permanent Residence by the Government of Canada
On April 28, 2017, the Government of Canada eliminated Conditional Permanent Residence for spouses and partners of permanent Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were in a relationship of two years or less and had no children in common, at the time of their sponsorship application.[1] The removal of CPR went largely unnoticed in the … Continue reading April 28, 2017 – The removal of Conditional Permanent Residence by the Government of Canada
Risk assessment for extended/conjugal family violence: Addressing the gaps
In the 2015-2016 needs-assessment, it emerged that current models of service and tools for risk assessment in Edmonton are ill-suited to handling violence done via extended social networks of kin and community. Violence is largely understood and handled as occurring within the nuclear family or from one intimate partner to another. Apparently, there is neither … Continue reading Risk assessment for extended/conjugal family violence: Addressing the gaps
Seniors facing intimate partner violence: At the crossroads of sexism and ageism
Shirley married Kenny when she was 20 years old. She was surprised when he noticed her and asked her out. He was outgoing and popular; she was quiet and shy. He had big dreams for their life together. Kenny liked the house kept clean and meals on the table promptly at 6 p.m. In 1949, … Continue reading Seniors facing intimate partner violence: At the crossroads of sexism and ageism
Housing Instability and Domestic Violence: Preventing a survivor’s slide into homelessness
Women seeking a way out of violence in the domestic space require a range of supports. These supports should encompass the emotional, informational and tangible. One crucial form of tangible support is in the area of housing, an especially important concern for victims of domestic violence. To escape their abusers, women need alternative housing or … Continue reading Housing Instability and Domestic Violence: Preventing a survivor’s slide into homelessness
Inter-agency work Vs Inter-agency Silos
Collaboration and good communication amongst anti-violence agencies are high priority. For example, improved communication between police, social workers and shelters could help to understand survivors’ needs and take appropriate action. [i] Collaboration can help optimise resource use, pool scarce resources and improve services via non-duplication of effort and communication about and with clients, seamless transfer … Continue reading Inter-agency work Vs Inter-agency Silos
The question of language
Language emerges as a key factor when one considers what influences a newcomer woman's chances of social inclusion and safety from violence. Language shapes how immigration is experienced and has a profound impact on the quality of immigrant women’s lives. On the one side, command of one of the two Canadian official languages, English and … Continue reading The question of language
Re the catch-all phrase “Immigrant Woman”
When one uses the phrase immigrant women, one must be careful. This is not one homogeneous group. Personal history, language, race, class are factors that intersect to create diversities in the ways immigration is experienced and how immigration impacts on the quality of women’s lives. A woman’s class of immigration has serious effects, life long … Continue reading Re the catch-all phrase “Immigrant Woman”
