Newswise — A research team from the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region is examining intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan from all sides in an effort to find community-based solutions to this very private problem.
The project, "In Each Other's Hands," is looking at the problem from the perspective of those committing the violence, to those enduring it, to those who step in to prevent it. The researchers hope to create a template for action that can be applied to communities across the country.
"This project is exciting because the results are so community-relevant and action-oriented," says Stephanie Martin, U of S assistant professor of education, registered psychologist, and primary university investigator for the project. "It's good that it's affiliated with the department of education, since education is such an important part of the puzzle on this project."
After they've reviewed homicide files and conducted interviews and focus groups in a variety of urban, rural, and Aboriginal communities in Saskatchewan, the research team will return to share their findings with community leaders. This knowledge can then be used by the communities to develop prevention and intervention strategies.
The study was conceived by Deb Farden, the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) masters-level psychologist leading the research team. Farden has been working in the field since 1983.
The biggest group the team still needs to hear from is those who step in to prevent violence.
"I'd heard stories of people stepping in to prevent intimate partner violence: brothers approaching brothers, moms approaching their sons, and so on. When I reviewed the literature, these sorts of stories had never been collected in a research format."
They are also seeking male voices. While Aboriginal men have been quick to step forward in the hope their stories can help their communities, non-Aboriginal rural men have been reluctant to talk about this sensitive topic.
"The voices of men are particularly important," says Farden, "Their voices are completely missing from the literature on intimate partner violence. This is a group whose viewpoints have not yet been properly heard."
"Support has been incredible so far," Farden says. "The participants have been very brave, taken incredible risks to share personal details to help others."
The five-member research team includes three women and two men. Two members are of Aboriginal heritage. The composition of the team helps the research group understand and critique situations across cultures and between genders. Farden has found this particularly important to Aboriginal communities they've worked with.
The field research team includes a U of S graduate student from the educational psychology department, Misha Davison. "It's exciting to get graduate students involved in this project, because it's the type of academic research that has practical implications for the lives of the community," Martin says.
The team will share its reports with the Department of Public Safety - National Crime Prevention Centre. Just under $500,000 is being provided for the study through a contribution agreement with the federal government agency. The Saskatoon Health Region also supports the project as part of its efforts to work with community partners for the improved health of Aboriginal people, recently re-affirmed in its 2007-2010 strategic plan.
Other supporters include the University of Saskatchewan, RESOLVE, and various sponsors.
Anyone interested in participating in the study is encouraged to contact Farden at (306) 292-7930.
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