Following a broad study conducted by the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA) and Red Deer College (RDC), community stakeholders and service providers will soon be meeting to contribute their insights as part of ‘A Community Conversation: Contributing Ideas for Positive Change in Immigrant Families’.

The in-depth study by CAIWA and RDC aims to better understand the causes of family violence in immigrant communities.  The report found that a person’s understanding of domestic violence can impact their ability or willingness to seek out available services.  Findings also suggested some aspects of domestic violence are specifically aligned to the realities of being an immigrant.

Central Alberta is a diverse community with an increasing number of immigrants of various socio-economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Factors such as age, sexual orientation, individual abilities, and levels of acculturation to the mainstream society vary widely. Forum organizers say these differences can pose challenges in offering support to immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Researchers say the findings of the study highlight the importance of culturally-specific and competent services.

Community Conversation: Contributing Ideas for Positive Change in Immigrant Families will be held at Red Deer College on November 29th, 10:00am to 1:00pm.

At this community forum stakeholders, service providers and the public are invited to learn more about this important research and to contribute ideas and insights to an action plan aimed at reducing immigrant family violence.

For more information [email protected] or by calling 403-341-3553 at CAIWA