West Coast LEAF Association

Published purpose

Through this 41-month project, West Coast LEAF will conduct research that will help improve GBV services for at-risk groups. It will address the knowledge gap regarding the intersections between BC's child welfare system and experiences of GBV, specifically for racialized, newcomer, and/or disabled women and 2SLBTQIA+ people. To do so, the project will conduct community-based research with a diverse network of community partnerships to support law and policy development to address issues in the child welfare system to align with community-identified priorities, needs and practices. West Coast LEAF will develop a knowledge sharing and mobilization plan to share information on the research findings. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, West Coast LEAF will carry out knowledge mobilization and stakeholder engagement activities relating to the project’s research findings regarding the intersections of BC’s child welfare system and experiences of GBV. Through these activities, West Coast LEAF will further advance gender equality and the safety of women and gender-diverse people with children who face risks and surveillance through the existing child welfare system.