Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society

Published purpose

Through this 47-month project, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society will conduct research that will help improve GBV services for at-risk groups. This project seeks to bridge a gap in the available knowledge by centering experiences of social workers providing care to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and to contribute to improved services for survivors. It builds on knowledge to help address the needs of workers who are often invisible in the GBV sector. Addressing barriers faced by the social workers has significant implication on the level and quality of support subsequently extended to those at risk of or experiencing GBV. Key project activities will include: focus group research discussions, engaging 60 participants; and key informant interviews investigating operational barriers and opportunities of organizations. The project will include a literature review, and data collection and analysis. Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society will complete a project report, policy briefs, newspaper articles, an academic journal article, an action plan, and a community event to share information on the research findings. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society will develop and share policy and procedure guides with employers in the anti-violence sector and will mobilize knowledge transfer by sharing out action plan with the anti-violence sector and relevant government organizations. Through this they will further advance Gender Equality.