Communities across Canada are once more coming together this November to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Ongoing work at the Waypoint Research Institute (WRI) supports the campaign’s goals of raising awareness about intimate partner violence (IPV), supporting survivors, and developing public education on domestic violence prevention.
“Intimate partner violence affects the mental health and well-being of women and others across society,” said Research Scientist Dr. Elnaz Moghimi. “Our collective efforts are vital to improving the safety of every person affected by gender-based violence, and increasing access to anti-violence services and supports.”
The WRI’s work supporting research and education to help identify and promote solutions to address domestic violence include:
- Dr. Moghimi and Dr. Zoe Hilton, Waypoint’s Research Chair in Forensic Mental Health, are recruiting participants in the Simcoe/Muskoka area for a study to learn what individuals impacted by IPV need when it comes to mental health support. Those interested in participating can visit https://www.celia-ipv-project.ca/ipv-survice-study.
- Waypoint recently submitted a proposal to build the province’s first mental health hub focused on gender-based violence.
- Dr. Hilton is studying coercive control, which refers to a range of abusive behaviours — such as isolating, threatening, stalking, technological surveillance and financial control — in anticipation of Bill C-332, which would criminalize coercive control of intimate partners, being enacted.
- WRI’s Waypoint Talks series recently featured three international experts on coercive control. An in-person gathering of researchers will be followed by an event this coming winter or spring for sharing the research directions that are being explored.
- Dr. Moghimi is working to engage with people who have lived experience of IPV and are interested in contributing to research. She recently received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grant to create a dedicated website to encourage safe storytelling and open discourse. The project will conclude with an in-person event bringing together researchers, people with lived experience, and organizations serving IPV survivors.
“I’ve been working in this subject area for 35 years or more, and the message has always been that we are working to end domestic violence,” said Dr. Hilton, who was invited to discuss IPV before the province’s Standing Committee on Justice Policy in August. “By raising awareness and providing evidence-based support, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected.”
RESOURCES
If you are in crisis, you can visit your local emergency department, call 911 or access the resources listed below:
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
- Telecare Distress Line of Greater Simcoe: 705-325-9534
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline: Call 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE or #7233
- Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888
- Athena’s Sexual Assault Counselling and Advocacy Centre: Call 1-800-461-1750 or text 705-999-0012
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
- La Maison Rosewood Shelter: 705-526-4211 or 1-800-461-1750