Anova: a future without violence

Published purpose

This 29-month project will pilot and disseminate an assessment/reflection tool, the Spectrum of Exploitation (SOE), to create a better understanding of exploitation in human trafficking to address the root causes of gender-based violence. The project will identify promising prevention and response strategies that are trauma-and violence-informed, as well as services to support survivors. Anova will achieve this by convening an advisory team, piloting the Spectrum of Exploitation tool with input from survivors and related professionals, developing an evaluation, refining the assessment tool with input gathered throughout the pilot phase, and disseminating the findings and the final version of the tool. At the end of the project, the organization will have developed a promising practice that will advance inclusive policies and practices, increase networks and collaboration to accelerate systemic change, support positive distribution of authority, voices, and decision-making power, and address persistent harmful gender norms and attitudes. Activities will be guided by an advisory committee and further supported by existing anti-violence and human trafficking committees, representing several urban and rural communities in Ontario, as well as researchers from the Western University. Anova will engage with Indigenous, youth, newcomer and Francophone survivors to pilot and improve the Spectrum of Exploitation tool. The effectiveness of the Spectrum of Exploitation tool will be carefully documented through ongoing evaluation. A bilingual, online version of the improved tool will be developed and launched with project results and shared through a public report and a national webinar.