Northern Society for Domestic Peace, Smithers, BC
The Partnerships Against Sexual Violence project would like to enhance the current role of the Community-Based Victim Assistance program to provide outreach specific to developing a sexual assault response and protocols in the Gitxsan Territory of rural northwest British Columbia. To focus on addressing Indigenous women’s experiences of sexual violence and community practices by engaging women in discussions on risks, safety, the rights of victims and in identifying immediate barriers to disclosure and what needs to be addressed. The project engages key community leaders, including chiefs, elders and matriarchs, and key community partners, including bands, health stations, community services, hospital and emergency responders. Through these partnerships, education and explore sexual assault response strategies that incorporate the experiences of the victims will be provided. Community protocols that interface with cultural practices and provide safe procedures that empower women and support disclosure and reporting, and third-party protocols with the detachment and communities are being developed. As well, positive relationships with the RCMP and health care providers when they are responding to sexual violence cases are being encouraged and facilitated.
Grant amount: $22,000
