23-38 2021 ImpactReport FINAL ereader - Report - Page 24
Program Spotlight: Expanding the Reach: To Address Violence Against
Women With Disabilities, Scarborough Women’s Centre, Ontario
Women living with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of gender-based violence. This
program helps to strengthen participants’ ability to recognize signs of abuse, develop healthy
relationships, and builds a sense of community among participants.
“We have heard participants say, ‘I wish I had this knowledge when I was younger. I may have made
different relationship decisions, if I did.’ Women with disabilities historically have not had much access
to learning about creating healthy relationships. This program helps people develop the skills to
identify what they actually want in relationships and reminds them that they are not alone or at fault
for the barriers they face.”
– Melissa Simas, Program Coordinator
Program Spotlight: Young Warriors, Victoria
Native Friendship Centre, British Columbia
This program is for Indigenous youth who have witnessed violence. It
helps young people create a positive self-image, set boundaries, and
learn violence prevention strategies, and it ends in a coming-of-age
cultural ceremony with community Elders. It uses land-based learning
and storytelling so essential for Indigenous youth.
“I like how I can be who I am when I’m here, and I have people to talk
to. It makes me less lonely.”
– Young Warriors program participant
Program Spotlight: Positive
Adolescent Sexuality Support
(PASS) program, Ma Mawi Wi
Chi Itata Centre, Headingly,
Manitoba
PASS fosters healthy relationships and
sexuality in a culturally relevant, safe,
and supportive learning environment for
Indigenous young people. Workshops are
youth-driven and cover topics like dating
violence, sexual health, and self-esteem.
“We learned, cried, and laughed together. I
love coming to the round room. We smudge,
we support one another, and we have good
food while we learn about important youth
issues.”
– PASS program participant
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