Supporting Survivors by Supporting Staff

Two Day Training Conference for Front Line Workers in The Violence Against Women Sector

March 14, 2012

The Woman Abuse Council of Toronto is happy to announce that the 2012 Supporting Survivors by Supporting Staff two-day training conference for front line workers in the violence against women (vaw) sector is over and was a huge success. We are thrilled with the positive feedback that we are receiving and look forward to bringing you many more great events in the near future.

The conference opened up with Stuart Knight, who is not your typical VAW speaker! Stuart’s energy and enthusiasm lit up the room and he had us all laughing throughout the morning. His speech set the tone for the remainder of the conference as attendees attempted to use the skills they learned on how to engage in meaningful conversations.

Dr. Lori Haskell was the keynote speaker on Day two and she enlightened us with information on the research she has been doing on the trauma, re-victimization, sexual abuse and sexual violence in relation to psychological development. As a result of being informative and entertaining, both of our keynote speakers received standing ovations.

The panel discussions also received excellent reviews from attendees. From the Engaging Men panel discussion, attendees were encouraged to consider how to engage men in the eradication of violence against women. From the Immigration Panel, attendees were exposed to the challenges facing immigrant and refugee women that suffer at the hands of an abuser. These panels demonstrated how imperative it is that we continue abolishing violence against women on a micro, mezzo, and macro level.

We would like to thank all of the panellists for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and work that their agencies relentlessly do to end violence against women:

Engaging Men to End Violence:

White Ribbon Campaign

Caring Dads

Counterpoint Counselling and Educational Co-operative Inc.

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto

Immigrant and Refugee Women and Their Rights

Parkdale Community Legal Services

Barbra Schliffer Clinic

Patricia Durish, Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist

University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work

Each afternoon conference attendees had a choice of workshops with topics ranging from Documentation Skills to Vicarious Trauma. Participants enjoyed the smaller classroom settings of the studios and appreciated the open dialogue amongst colleagues.

Workshop Presenters:

Topic: Family Law Presenter: Pamela Cross Luke’s Place

Topic: Substance Use & Mental Health Presenters: Nora Currie, Toronto Region VAW Shelter Network & Deborah Waddington Toronto Public Health

Topic: LGBT Inclusivity Presenter: Howard Shulman 519 Church St. Community

Topic: Criminal Law Presenters: Lydia Yang & Kumarie Dial Elizabeth Fry

Topic: Children as Victims of Violence Presenter: Angelique Jenney Child Development Institute

Topic : Women with Disabilities Presenters: Fran Odette & Anita Harding Springtide Resources

Topic: Documentation Skills Presenter: Mary Lou Fassel Barbra Schlifer Clinic

We would also like to acknowledge Joanna Morrison from Sangha of Hope for providing yoga self-care sessions and nutritional talks during the stretch breaks (www.sanghaofhope.com).

Special thanks go out to all our donors for their generous gifts of door prizes. The attendees of the conference were very happy to receive gift bags this year and we all had fun giving out the door prizes each day.

Our Supporters:

Lesa Day, Author. Donation - book “How to Get Your Child to Say, Yes! I Can! & I Will”

Janet Barclay from The Organized Assistant Donation: Personal Medical Organizer

Rick Mizuno, Author and Radio Host from Indies in Motion Show and www.GVBRadio.com Donation: Books “50/50 Split” and “From the Heart of a Man”

Trina Lambe, Personal Trainer Train by Trina – Donations: In Home Training Session

Linda Tenenbaum, owner Follow me Tai Chi – One hour EASY Tai Chi & Qigong Stress Relief Class

Thane St. Andrew, musician - Donation Palace of Love CD

Jannette Ioannides from Blue River Trading – Donation: 200 Travel Wallets for the gift bags

Joanna Poppink – Author. Donation: Book “Healing a Hungry Heart”

Shelly Harris from the Grassroots Women's Festival – Eco friendly bags filled with camping necessities, and 2 free passes to the Ottawa Grassroots Women’s Festival

Daria Sukman.com – Artist. Donation: A Beautiful Painting with a positive message

Marilyn Wetston, Image Consultant and Radio Host – Donation: Gift certificate - free pashmina

Type of News Item: News; Conferences

Category/Topic of interest:
Communities, Cultures and Abuse

Population Group:
Health Care Service Providers
Social Service Providers

Language of News Item:
English

For More Information Contact:
    Paula Wells
    WomanACT
    (t)416.944.9242 x 230
    socialmedia@womanabuse.ca

Associated Document:
Conference Program and Itinerary (Acrobat PDF file)