RESOLVE Alberta

Intimate partner violence (IPV) persists as a serious challenge, globally, with regions in Central and Northern Canada reporting the highest rates of shelter use to escape abuse, of sexual assault, and of IPV in the country. Despite research into IPV, barriers and gaps exist in understanding what an effective response to IPV in rural and northern communities should look like. One RESOLVE study examined Service Provider perspectives in how to reduce IPV in rural areas. This study explores the ongoing issue of IPV in rural and northern areas of Canada, where the rates of shelter use and sexual assault are alarmingly high. Researchers interviewed 55 service providers to better understand the challenges in helping victims of IPV. They found that to create a safe environment free from violence, it's crucial to shift from a culture of oppression and abuse to one that supports empowerment and wellness. The study suggests that, to effectively reduce IPV, we need to support those who provide help, identify gaps in services, and push for changes in policies that address the specific needs of these communities. Read the full study: https://lnkd.in/e3XvE8HD #EndIPV #RuralIPV #IPVAwareness #Calgary #Lethbridge #UCalgary

This weekend marked the Winter Solstice - the year’s longest night and shortest day. The Winter Solstice marks a turning point - the return of light! The Winter Solstice symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and connection. We hope this solstice brings light and renewal.

Check out our tri-prairie partner's RESOLVing Violence podcast, created by RESOLVE Saskatchewan to delve deep into the heart of creating safer communities. October and November topics range from “Exploring the Foundations and Goals of the Saskatchewan Anti-Violence Research Network", “Indigenous Reproductive Justice”, “Transforming Family Justice”, to “Exploring the Role of Therapy Animals in Mental Health Treatment”. Tune in and be part of the solution with RESOLVing Violence. Together, we’re shaping a safer and more inclusive future. Available wherever you listen to your local podcasts. #IPV #ipva #genderbasedviolence #domesticviolence #resolvingviolence #resolvesaskatchewan #ucalgary #ucalgarynursing 

In collaboration with Sagesse, an Alberta-based domestic abuse prevention organization, this study evaluated the effectiveness of Growth Circle on perceived stress, cortisol, coping, safety-related empowerment, and social support/alliances. Cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, is affected by trauma, which can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and chronic disease. This study revealed the effectiveness of the Growth Circle program. Growth Circle is a 14-week peer support group for people who have experienced domestic abuse and coercive control. After program completion, there was a significant reduction in self-reported levels of perceived stress, decreased cortisol levels, and an increase in safety-related empowerment, and supportive alliances with group members. #Coping #PeerSupport #DomesticViolenceAwareness #IPV #IntimatePartnerViolence #IPVAwareness #UCalgary #UCalgaryNursing

Dr. Nicole Letourneau is joining forces with the International Family Nursing Foundation and individuals who are committed to supporting family health. She believes that families of all patients, no matter their age or condition, deserve the skillful care of a knowledgeable family nurse. Funding will go towards supporting nursing student attendance at an international conference on family nursing. Help make this happen! Please give any amount here: https://lnkd.in/e2Pmn5TW #IFNF

December 10th marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and International Human Rights Day! Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of a pivotal moment in history: the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1948, this landmark document outlines the inherent rights every individual deserves. It was the first global agreement to define fundamental human rights as protections for all people, everywhere. Human rights are everyone’s rights! Learn more about your rights and help spread the word by: ➡ Read and share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: https://lnkd.in/gEvhWEe ➡ Watch a video recording of the Declaration: https://lnkd.in/dpJFZs8c ➡ Read a simplified version of the Declaration: https://lnkd.in/d3aYttY8 Gender-based violence continues to be one of the most widespread and enduring human rights violations in the world. To live free of violence is a human right that all women, girls and gender-diverse people deserve yet far too many are living without. Let's work together to educate, advocate and support! If you or someone you know has been impacted by violence and is in need of support, help is available: https://lnkd.in/dcmpZkz #HumanRightsDay2024 #16DaysofActivism #EndGBV

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2024 nears completion, we're reminded that efforts to address violence impacting women, girls and gender-diverse people must happen year-round. Today we highlight 16 ways to end gender-based violence. Let's work together to address this epidemic, support those impacted and create safer communities for women, girls and gender-diverse people across Canada! If you or someone you know is in need of support, visit: https://lnkd.in/dcmpZkz https://lnkd.in/ejPVYNwA

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S) is rooted in centuries of colonialism and systemic racism. These groups are disproportionately affected due to societal marginalization and the erosion of cultural protections. As a result, they face higher violence rates and inadequate justice, with many cases remaining unsolved. These issues call for urgent systemic change to protect Indigenous lives and ensure justice. It is crucial to acknowledge the disproportionate violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people in Canada. ➡️ Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner. ➡️ Indigenous women are four times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Indigenous women. ➡️ 56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have suffered sexual assault. ➡️ From 2001-2014, in Canada, the average rate of homicides involving Indigenous women was four times that of those involving non-Indigenous female victims. If you or someone you know needs support, the National Association of Friendship Centres offers important resources and services. Their work focuses on addressing this crisis and supporting affected communities. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/eNy69ww8 https://lnkd.in/gp3WdFqf https://lnkd.in/gjWxhveV #MMIWG2S  #16DaysofActivism2024 #EndGBV

Indigenous women in Canada experience violence at significantly higher rates than non-Indigenous women. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls found that Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non-Indigenous women. Developed in 2021, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan was developing in collaboration with the National Family and Survivors Circle and contributing partners. It is a response to the Final Report of National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and LGBTQ2S+ People. It was developed to drive transformative change to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The National Action Plan: ➡️ Honours the resilience of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, supporting their sacred roles and responsibilities ➡️ Involves families and survivors throughout its implementation ➡️ Upholds substantive equality and Indigenous human rights, including inherent, treaty, and constitutional rights ➡️ Embraces intersectional and diverse perspectives, ensuring inclusivity for all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people ➡️ Affirms Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination ➡️ Applies a decolonizing, culturally informed, and culturally safe framework ➡️ Relies on evidence and remains sustainable and adaptable over time The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan is available here: https://lnkd.in/gjWxhveV The Final Report of the of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is available here: https://lnkd.in/gqfr27q #16DaysofActivism2024 #EndGBV

On December 6th, 1989, at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, a gunman committed a horrific act of gender-based violence, targeting female students and claiming the lives of 14 young women. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the deadly consequences of misogyny and gender discrimination. As we commemorate this anniversary, we reflect not only on the lives lost but also on the victims of other forms of gender-based violence in Canada. The 14 women who lost their lives were more than just victims of a senseless act of violence; they were daughters, sisters, friends, and aspiring engineers with dreams and aspirations. Their loss is a reminder of the cost of hatred. Each year, on December 6th, now commemorated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron Hélène Colgan Nathalie Croteau Barbara Daigneault Anne-Marie Edward Maud Haviernick Maryse Laganière Maryse Leclair Anne-Marie Lemay Sonia Pelletier Michèle Richard Annie St-Arneault Annie Turcotte Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz The École Polytechnique massacre served as a turning point in Canada, igniting debates on gender-based violence and misogyny. This tragedy heightened awareness about violence against women and led to the creation of RESOLVE and four other research centers focused on family and gender-based violence across Canada. Today, RESOLVE remains dedicated to its mission of conducting research, providing education, and raising awareness on issues of gender-based violence, including violence against women and girls. By honoring the memories of those who have lost their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where everyone can live free from fear and violence. #RemembranceandAction #EndGBV #16DaysofActivism2024