Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence
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The Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence created Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence. Shift's goal is to significantly reduce and prevent domestic violence in Alberta. The name Shift represents the spirit of this innovative project designed to create transformational change using a primary prevention approach to stop first-time victimization and perpetration of domestic violence. In short, primary prevention means taking action to build resilience and prevent problems before they occur.
The purpose of Shift’s research is: to contribute to building a primary prevention framework in Alberta; and to enhance the capacity of policy makers, systems leaders, clinicians, service providers and the community at large, to significantly reduce the rates of domestic violence in Alberta. We are committed to making our research accessible and working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, to inform and influence current and future domestic violence prevention efforts, through the perspective of primary prevention.
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Browsing Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence by Author "Claussen, Caroline"
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Item Open Access Building capacity in Alberta to prevent domestic violence: Results from a community of practice project(2015-02) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Aspenlieder, LauraIn 2011, Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence entered into a formal partnership with the Government of Alberta to rebuild the recently released (November 2013) family violence prevention framework. Both partners agreed on the importance of ensuring that the research on which the prevention framework was based was accessible for practitioners, service providers, policy makers and system leaders throughout the province. Shift also realized that local communities would need to develop the capacity to implement the primary prevention strategies being proposed in the new provincial prevention strategy. As a result, Shift explored evidenced-informed models on knowledge translation, mobilization, and integration and (through a SSHRC Partnership grant and Canadian Women’s Foundation grant) engaged in a pilot project to test a particular Community of Practice (CoP) model in two regions in Alberta. The CoP model piloted was designed with the understanding that the best way to build community capacity for domestic violence primary prevention would be to work through the current research and support practitioners and system leaders to understand how it applies to their local context and communities. We believed this approach would support changes, not only at the individual practitioner level, but also support shifts in decision-making at the organizational, systems, and policy level.Item Open Access A Context of Domestic Violence: Learnings for Prevention from the Calgary Filipino Community(International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 2013) Wells, Lana; Hurlock, Debb; Antonio, Marichu; Lantion, Vic; Abboud, Rida; Claussen, Caroline; Lorenzetti, LizaThere is a lack of interpretive research in the domestic violence literature and, in particular, within an ethnocultural context. Interviews were held with four Filipina women in Calgary, Alberta who had previously been in violent relationships, in combination with a referral group of key informants with leadership and knowledge of community issues related to domestic violence. By adopting a phenomenological approach to the research, it was hoped that new understandings of what is identified in clinical paradigms as the “risk” and “protective” factors associated with domestic violence would be unearthed. This research study is at once exploratory and informative and is intended to contribute to the development of a province-wide plan to address and prevent domestic violence through the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary.Item Open Access Developing a Strategic and Coordinated Approach to Violence Prevention Programming for Children and Youth in Calgary(2013-01) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Abboud, Rida; Pauls, MonicaThe purpose of this research is threefold: 1) to provide an overview of research pertaining to best and promising practices in the area of violence prevention programming for children and youth; 2) to provide an analysis of children- and youth-focused violence prevention programs currently offered by non-profit organizations in Calgary, Alberta; and 3) to provide recommendations to inform subsequent phases for developing a strategic coordinated community approach to violence prevention programming for children and youth in Calgary.This research identified various types of violence prevention programming offered throughout Calgary, specifically identifying the differences between school and community-based programs and universal/targeted approaches.Item Open Access Developing domestic violence primary prevention capacity through a community of practice project: Learnings from Alberta, Canada(Cogent Medicine, 2017-05-23) Claussen, Caroline; Wells, Lana; Aspenlieder, Laura; Boutilier, SophiaDomestic violence practitioners and community organizations often lack the capacity to engage in primary prevention activities. In part, this limited capacity exacerbates the gap between evidence-based research and practice, necessitating innovative initiatives specifically aimed at user uptake. Using a community of practice (CoP) model within two distinct communities in Alberta, Canada, we sought to translate research knowledge on domestic violence prevention and build primary prevention capacity with practitioners. One hundred twenty professionals from various sectors attended CoP sessions, with 20 attending all six sessions. Data was collected using in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Interview findings include that face to-face learning was effective for deeper understanding and building networks across sectors, as well as supporting new aspects of prevention work that had not been previously considered. Findings also indicate that skilled facilitation increased CoP effectiveness, particularly where community context was considered in relation to the topics presented. Impacts include changes to discourse, priorities, and resource allocation to support primary prevention. Areas for improvement include a slower pace of information delivery, and increased focus on policy and system changes. Overall, using a CoP model seemed to support knowledge translation and practitioner capacity building in the area of domestic violence prevention. Considerations for future utilization of this model are explored.Item Open Access Domestic & Sexual Violence: A Background Paper on Primary Prevention Programs and Frameworks(2012-06) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Cooper, MerrillThis report provides an overview of domestic violence and prevention definitions, risk and protective factors, and focuses particular attention on the domestic and sexual violence primary prevention frameworks being developed locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, the report provides a brief overview of relevant evidence-based practices in violence reduction. Points of consideration are offered in each section, allowing further reflection of the information in consideration of Alberta’s local context.Item Open Access Domestic Violence in Ethno-Cultural Communities: Risk and Protective Factors(2011-06) Wells, Lana; Abboud, Rida; Claussen, CarolineThis literature review identifies the risk and protective factors for domestic violence with women in ethno-cultural communities in Canada.Item Open Access Engaging Men Across the Violence Prevention Continuum: An Exploratory Study(2021-06) Hansen, Brian; Wells, Lana; Claussen, CarolineMen have a role to play in the prevention of violence against women; however, there is increasing awareness that the social service sector has failed to adequately engage men in violence prevention programming and advocacy. This study used semi-structured interviews to explore the challenges that a sample of Canadian violence prevention practitioners and organizations face in engaging men in preventing violence and generating practice recommendations for what is needed to better equip practitioners. At an organizational level, findings indicate that more capacity-building around emerging research, strategies, and tools in working with and engaging men in the prevention of violence is required. Challenges around recruiting male staff, in what is primarily considered a female-dominated profession, were also noted. Practitioners also discussed the role of masculine gender norms as barriers to men’s help-seeking and engagement in violence prevention advocacy. Recommendations include expanding social work curriculum and training to include information and resources on working with men, as well as increased research on best and promising practices to support organizations and practitioners in their engagement efforts.Item Open Access Home Visitation as a Domestic Violence Prevention Strategy: A Discussion Paper for the Government of Alberta(2012-06) Wells, Lana; Claussen, CarolineShift was asked to research existing Government of Alberta programs and initiatives that could be enhanced or modified to support a reduction in domestic violence rates. As a result of this research, enhancing the Government of Alberta's home visitation program was identified as a key tactic in the prevention of domestic violence.Item Open Access How Public Policy and Legislation Can Support the Prevention of Domestic Violence in Alberta(2012-06) Wells, Lana; Dozois, Elizabeth; Cooper, Merrill; Claussen, Caroline; Lorenzetti, Liza; Boodt, CaseyThis paper proposes specific, evidence-informed program and policy amendments and initiatives to enhance the Government of Alberta's family violence prevention strategy. The report suggests an increased focus on primary prevention in policy, legislation and resource allocations, will support the objective of significantly reducing rates of domestic violence in Alberta.Item Open Access Opening the Door Beyond the Legal System: Understanding the Use of Alternative Justice Approaches to Sexual Violence Prevention and Healing in Canada(2022-06-29) Claussen, Caroline; Goulet, Sharon; Wells, LanaVictimization surveys suggest that one in three women in Canada and one in six men will experience some kind of sexual violence in their lifetimes. Rather than turn to the police, most victims turn to family or friends or shoulder the burden in silence. For every 1000 sexual assaults in Canada, only 33 are reported, and only 3 result in convictions of the perpetrator. The reality is the current criminal justice responses to sexual violence are not serving victims. When presented with alternatives to the traditional justice system, victims routinely choose them and experience much better outcomes with alternative justice approaches. In 2021, with support from the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Shift conducted research to better understand alternative justice approaches to sexual violence healing and prevention in Canada. By alternative justice approaches, we mean those activities and interventions that are outside the criminal legal system, that are victim and survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and promote prevention, accountability, justice, healing, and repair. The research project involved reviewing academic and grey literature, conducting an environmental scan, and interviewing advocates and practitioners who engage in this work. Through these three data collection methodologies, principles, practices, training, and activities have been identified, along with a series of recommendations to continue to grow and support this area of practice.Item Open Access Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence: Preliminary Research(2013-01) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Aubrey, Danielle; Ofrim, JennyThe Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence acknowledge that domestic violence and sexual violence are interconnected. They have joined together to facilitate a discussion about primary prevention of sexual violence, and to support the development of a sexual violence and sexual health action plan for Alberta. This report has several objectives: 1. To understand the scope of sexual violence both internationally, nationally and locally, as well as the factors that both prevent and contribute to sexual violence; 2. To identify theories and paradigms that are currently being used to understand sexual violence, as well as approaches and models used to develop sexual violence primary prevention strategies in other jurisdictions; and 3. To present the best available research evidence in the area of sexual violence primary prevention that makes sense in the Alberta context.Item Open Access Resources for Teachers and Program Leaders from the Violence Prevention Program Calgary Initiative(2016-01) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Abboud, RidaFor three years (2012-2015), a group of community-based agencies, school boards, funders and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence came together to develop a strategic and coordinated approach to violence prevention programming (VPP) in Calgary.Item Open Access The role of community-based organizations in school-based violence prevention programming: An action research project(Cogent Social Sciences, 2016-09-28) Claussen, Caroline; Wells, Lana; Exner-Cortens, Deinera; Abboud, Rida; Turner, AlinaResearch suggests limited attention has been paid to the role played by non-profit community-based organizations in offering violence prevention programming within school settings. This action research project emerged from the desire of researchers, community-based organizations, school systems and funders to explore the specific challenges and opportunities faced by local non-profit communitybased organizations when offering school-based violence prevention programming for children and youth. Data revealed challenges in the delivery of violence prevention programming, including lack of consistency and coordination with schools and lack of programming for diverse children and youth. Opportunities for improvement and steps toward action are discussed.Item Open Access Surveying the Landscape: Domestic Violence Plans from Around the World(2012-10) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Sandham, SarahShift conducted a scoping review of domestic violence plans from around the world that identified common theories, strategies and actions that can be found in province/state and community wide plans. This report helped to inform the new Government of Alberta's “Family Violence Hurts Everyone: A Framework to End Family Violence in Alberta”.Item Open Access Surveying the Landscape: Sexual Violence Plans from Around the World(2013-01) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Aubrey, Danielle; Ofrim, JennyThis report was created in partnership by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence to facilitate a discussion about primary prevention of sexual violence and to inform the development of a sexual violence and sexual health action plan for Alberta. The purpose of this research is: 1) to present a synopsis of the scoping review of sexual violence plans from around the world; 2) to provide an overview of common elements among all plans reviewed; 3) to identify areas for inclusion in a sexual violence and sexual health action plan for Alberta.Item Open Access Understanding the environment: Domestic violence and prevention in urban Aboriginal communities(The First Peoples Child & Family Review, 2016) Goulet, Sharon; Lorenzetti, Liza; Walsh, Christine A; Wells, Lana; Claussen, CarolineAboriginal women in Canada are at significantly higher risk for spousal violence and spousal homicide than non-Aboriginal women. Although the majority of Aboriginal people in Canada live in urban settings, there is a dearth of literature focusing on the experiences and violence prevention efforts of urban Aboriginal peoples. In order to understand issues relevant to the prevention of domestic violence among this population, we employed Aboriginal community development principles to conduct a scoping review of the relevant literature to explore the meanings and definitions, risk and protective factors, and prevention/intervention strategies within urban Aboriginal communities. Our study underscores that a number of domestic violence risk and protective factors are present in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. However, the multifaceted impacts of colonization, including residential school trauma is a key factor in understanding domestic violence in urban Aboriginal contexts. The limited available research on this topic highlights the need for Aboriginal-led research directed towards eliminating the legacy of violence for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.Item Open Access Using the General Social Survey to Monitor Domestic Violence in Alberta: Considerations for the Government of Alberta(2012-06) Wells, Lana; Boodt, Casey; Claussen, CarolineThis document explores whether material included in the ongoing Statistics Canada General Social Survey can provide the benchmarking and monitoring data needed to determine the success of domestic violence prevention and intervention initiatives in Alberta. Specific recommendations are offered.