A critical research initiative in Sudbury aimed at supporting survivors of gender-based violence has received significant federal funding, marking a major step forward in understanding the challenges faced by vulnerable women in Northern Ontario.
The SHE MATTERS project, spearheaded by the Sudbury-based organization Under One Sky, has been awarded nearly $250,000 through Women and Gender Equality Canada. This substantial investment will enable researchers to delve deep into the systemic barriers that prevent survivors from accessing the support and services they desperately need.
Uncovering Systemic Obstacles
The research will focus specifically on the experiences of Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ survivors of gender-based violence. These communities often face compounded challenges when seeking help, including cultural barriers, discrimination, and lack of culturally appropriate services.
Marcia Trudeau-Bomberry, interim executive director of Under One Sky, emphasized the project's importance, stating that the funding will allow them to "document the stories and experiences of survivors" in a way that centers their voices and perspectives.
Building Better Support Systems
The research findings are expected to have far-reaching implications for how support services are designed and delivered across Northern Ontario. By identifying specific barriers and gaps in the current system, the project aims to:
- Develop more effective intervention strategies
- Create training programs for service providers
- Improve access to culturally relevant support
- Enhance coordination between different service organizations
Viviane Michel, president of Quebec Native Women Inc., highlighted how this research aligns with broader efforts to address the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, noting that understanding survivors' experiences is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies.
A Collaborative Approach to Change
The SHE MATTERS project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations, including the University of Sudbury. This partnership between community organizations and academic institutions ensures that the research will be both rigorous and grounded in the real-world experiences of survivors.
The funding announcement comes at a critical time, as service providers across Northern Ontario have reported increasing demand for gender-based violence support services in recent years. This research promises to provide much-needed insights that could transform how communities support survivors on their journey toward healing and safety.
