Abuse Never Becomes Us (A.N.B.U)

Published purpose

This 27-month project will develop and test a therapy model to address the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services for childhood sexual abuse survivors and their families within the Tamil diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). A.N.B.U. will achieve this by conducting a needs assessment, developing a culturally and linguistically sensitive model that builds on the existing Gatehouse model. This model will be tested and adapted with several cohorts, and finally, shared with the GBV sector through final in-person and virtual events. This project will engage adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, community partners within the Tamil diaspora, and partner with the Gatehouse, ensuring that project activities are trauma-informed and survivor-led. The model incorporates arts-based methods to engage participants and be part of the annual events showcasing their art work and healing journey. The impact of this therapeutic model will also be assessed through a third-party evaluation, including its potential to be adapted and replicated. By the end of the project, A.N.B.U. will have developed and strengthened their promising practice and have shared it with the wider GBV sector, to strengthen supports to Tamil GBV survivors and their families, in Canada.