What is the project about?
CASSA, in partnership with The Leading Social Justice Collective, United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT), and UWGT’s South Asian Community Advisory Council, is leading a research initiative to address the health and well-being of South Asian women affected by Honour-Based Violence (HBV) in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada.
Guided by the World Health Organization’s holistic definition of women’s health, we address the multifaceted needs of South Asian women, encompassing physical, sexual, mental, and emotional well-being. Systemic barriers often impede access to essential support services, exacerbating the effects of HBV and manifesting as violence in various aspects of life. Our mission is to dismantle these barriers through targeted advocacy and educational initiatives, fostering a supportive environment that empowers South Asian women, promotes their health, and builds resilience against adversity.
Through this project, we aim to:
- Conduct Scoping Review: Perform a thorough scoping review of HBV within the GTA and across Canada. This review will guide consultations and inform the development of our training module. The objectives are to assess HBV prevalence, identify current partners and service agencies, evaluate existing intervention strategies, and pinpoint gaps that need innovative solutions.
- Facilitate Consultation with GBV Survivors, Service Providers, and Experts: Engage in consultations with GBV survivors, health service providers, as well as experts, incorporating cultural, religious, and mainstream perspectives. The aim is to gain insights into their understanding of the issue, explore intervention strategies, and evaluate the support services available, including health, mental health, and practical assistance. This comprehensive approach will provide a nuanced view of needs and experiences, culminating in a detailed report.
- Release Comprehensive Report on Support for HBV Survivors and Service Providers: This report will present findings from a scoping review and consultations with both local service providers and survivors of HBV. It will assess the providers’ understanding, knowledge, responsiveness, and safety planning for women dealing with HBV, and capture the perspectives of survivors to ensure a holistic view. The report will also offer actionable recommendations to improve support and intervention strategies. To ensure our approach is respectful and constructive, an abridged version of the report will be made available to the public to avoid vilifying our communities.
- Develop Survivor-Centered HBV Support Training Module: Refine and consolidate HBV-specific training modules previously tested through the Women’s Mosque of Canada, tailored for diverse urban and rural contexts. Existing materials are insufficiently adapted for the South Asian community and do not utilize a ‘train-the-trainer’ approach. Our objective is to develop a tailored training package, designed for practical application and pilot testing, addressing the specific needs of the South Asian community and extending to government officials, community agencies, and law enforcement representatives.
- Launch Social Media Campaign: Implement a targeted social media campaign to raise awareness about HBV, share resources, and promote community engagement. The campaign aims to enhance understanding of HBV, its impacts, and available support services for South Asian women experiencing HBV.
