London
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October 1, 2025
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October 2, 2025
Sharing in the Healing Journey: Results from a Mixed Methods Evaluation of Expressive Arts Programming to Promote Healing after Gender-based Violence
10:30am – 11:00am
Sharing in the Healing Journey is a free, expressive arts-based program that supports both mothers and children impacted by gender-based violence—one of the few programs to focus on whole-family healing. Delivered by trained facilitators at a community agency, the program includes arts activities, mindfulness, story sharing, and family time. This presentation will provide an overview of the program model and evaluation design, share key findings from both mothers and children, and highlight practical implications for service providers supporting families affected by gender-based violence.
Speakers
Dr. Stephanie Begun
Dr. Stephanie Begun is an Associate Professor and RBC Chair in Applied Social Work Research at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Her research focuses on improving the health and wellness of equity-deserving youth, with particular attention to youths' reproductive and sexual health access, education, and outcomes. Stephanie has been recognized through awards received at academic conferences, including the North American Forum on Family Planning and the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting. She is also the co-founder and the co-director of the Youth Wellness Lab at the University of Toronto, a research collaborative that brings together academic researchers, community-based partners, and youth advisors, with a shared goal of improving services and outcomes across multiple intersecting domains by, with, and for youth. Stephanie is also Cross-Appointed Affiliated Faculty with the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, and a Faculty Affiliate with the University of Toronto School of Cities. She was named Director, Social Work Research to the Contraception and Abortion Research Team (CART-GRAC), based out of the University of British Columbia.
Best Practices in Digital Empowerment and Literacy Skills for Survivors.
11:00am – 12:00pm
In this session, presenters from MediaSmarts- Canada's centre for digital media literacy - will share key insights and learnings from our four-year intervention research project titled Moving On: Digital Empowerment and Literacy Skills for Survivors (MODELSS). This project adapts, delivers, and evaluates digital media literacy resources for practitioners in the violence against women (VAW) sector and survivors of family violence. We will share key findings from our program evaluation and best practices for: 1) designing and implementing an iterative program evaluation; and 2) developing digital media literacy programs for survivors of violence.
Speakers
Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin
Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin is the Director of Research at Mediasmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy. Kara is responsible for the planning, methodology, implementation, and dissemination of key findings from original MediaSmarts’ research studies as well as evaluations of MediaSmarts’ programs. Kara researches the various impacts of digital technology and culture on digital citizenship, digital well-being, and online resiliency for Canadians broadly and youth in particular. Kara works with a number of academic partners on tri-agency funded research projects, private and public sector groups, as well as federal departments on online issues including; digital equity and inclusion, digital well-being and online resilience, privacy, online hate, mis/dis information, and algorithms and artificial intelligence. Kara brings to MediaSmarts extensive publication experience in academic journals, magazines, news op-eds and research blogs; and a background in presenting research to key stakeholders on parliamentary committees, at academic conferences, invited talks, panels, keynote addresses, and in media interviews.
Khadija Baig
Khadija Baig is a Research and Evaluation Associate at MediaSmarts. She is responsible for supporting the entire research process: conducting literature reviews, preparing research ethics’ applications, designing qualitative and quantitative research instruments and mixed-methods studies, designing and conducting internal program evaluation, conducting statistical (quantitative) and thematic (qualitative) analysis of data, writing research reports, and knowledge dissemination. Khadija holds a Master of Computer Science (M.C.S) degree from Carleton University, Ottawa. She is also a Research Associate at CHORUS (Carleton’s Human Oriented Research in Usable Security), from the School of Computer Science at Carleton University. Khadija brings extensive research and publication experience to our team and she has designed, lead, and collaborated on research involving usable online privacy and security. Her research interests include: the privacy complications of DNA (genetic privacy), the privacy of vulnerable populations, accessible privacy and security, and the spread of antagonistic content online.
Vanessa Turyatunga
Vanessa Turyatunga (She/Her) is a Research and Evaluation Associate at MediaSmarts. She is responsible for supporting the research process: conducting literature reviews, preparing research ethics’ applications, designing mixed-methods studies, designing and conducting internal program evaluation, conducting statistical (quantitative) and thematic (qualitative) analysis of data, writing research reports, and knowledge dissemination. Vanessa holds a master's degree in Religious Studies from the University of Ottawa and is currently completing her PhD in Anthropology at Carleton University, Ottawa. She brings extensive publication and knowledge mobilization skills, as well as interdisciplinary, community-based and participant-focused research and program coordination experience to the MediaSmarts research team. Vanessa's research interests include participatory action research, empowerment-based research methods and trauma- and violence-informed digital media literacy education.
Trauma-Informed Facilitation and Digital Media Literacy Education
1:00pm – 2:30pm
In this interactive workshop, presenters from MediaSmarts – Canada’s centre for digital media literacy- will share key learnings and best practices in implementing a trauma-informed lens in digital media literacy education and facilitation. We’ll walk participants through our trauma- and violence-informed facilitation handbook developed as part of the Resilience through DigitalSmarts program. The handbook provides a guide to trauma- and violence informed facilitation practices with a focus on online facilitation and program delivery. While the handbook is grounded in the context of digital media literacy education for survivors of technology-facilitated violence and abuse, it is useful for a wide range of projects, organizations, and individuals who want to introduce a trauma-informed approach in their program facilitation. This workshop will end with an interactive activity in which attendees will apply the six key trauma-informed principles highlighted in the handbook to their current projects or facilitation practices.
Speakers
Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin
Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin is the Director of Research at Mediasmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy. Kara is responsible for the planning, methodology, implementation, and dissemination of key findings from original MediaSmarts’ research studies as well as evaluations of MediaSmarts’ programs. Kara researches the various impacts of digital technology and culture on digital citizenship, digital well-being, and online resiliency for Canadians broadly and youth in particular. Kara works with a number of academic partners on tri-agency funded research projects, private and public sector groups, as well as federal departments on online issues including; digital equity and inclusion, digital well-being and online resilience, privacy, online hate, mis/dis information, and algorithms and artificial intelligence. Kara brings to MediaSmarts extensive publication experience in academic journals, magazines, news op-eds and research blogs; and a background in presenting research to key stakeholders on parliamentary committees, at academic conferences, invited talks, panels, keynote addresses, and in media interviews.
Khadija Baig
Khadija Baig is a Research and Evaluation Associate at MediaSmarts. She is responsible for supporting the entire research process: conducting literature reviews, preparing research ethics’ applications, designing qualitative and quantitative research instruments and mixed-methods studies, designing and conducting internal program evaluation, conducting statistical (quantitative) and thematic (qualitative) analysis of data, writing research reports, and knowledge dissemination. Khadija holds a Master of Computer Science (M.C.S) degree from Carleton University, Ottawa. She is also a Research Associate at CHORUS (Carleton’s Human Oriented Research in Usable Security), from the School of Computer Science at Carleton University. Khadija brings extensive research and publication experience to our team and she has designed, lead, and collaborated on research involving usable online privacy and security. Her research interests include: the privacy complications of DNA (genetic privacy), the privacy of vulnerable populations, accessible privacy and security, and the spread of antagonistic content online.
Vanessa Turyatunga
Vanessa Turyatunga (She/Her) is a Research and Evaluation Associate at MediaSmarts. She is responsible for supporting the research process: conducting literature reviews, preparing research ethics’ applications, designing mixed-methods studies, designing and conducting internal program evaluation, conducting statistical (quantitative) and thematic (qualitative) analysis of data, writing research reports, and knowledge dissemination. Vanessa holds a master's degree in Religious Studies from the University of Ottawa and is currently completing her PhD in Anthropology at Carleton University, Ottawa. She brings extensive publication and knowledge mobilization skills, as well as interdisciplinary, community-based and participant-focused research and program coordination experience to the MediaSmarts research team. Vanessa's research interests include participatory action research, empowerment-based research methods and trauma- and violence-informed digital media literacy education.
Low Barrier High Impact: Community Based Research with Newcomer Survivors of Gender-based Domestic Violence
10:15am – 11:15am
This session explores key considerations in designing, delivering, and sustaining community-based arts interventions in sensitive research areas. Using Access Alliance HEAL Project as a case study, we will examine the challenges of participant engagement, including recruitment and retention across a series of sessions. A discussion on the importance of culturally relevant and work-sensitive strategies that respond to the diverse realities of participants’ lives will be addressed. The session will also highlight the role of scientific rigour in intervention development, using principles of implementation science to ensure quality, adaptability, and effectiveness. A central focus will be the validation process, emphasizing how co-design and community engagement are essential not only for refining the intervention but also for ensuring its relevance and acceptance by the community. Finally, reporting on sustainability and long-term impact of arts-based approaches, especially in contexts that require sensitivity, such as mental health, trauma, and community healing, participants learn how creative practices can serve as powerful tools for both research and social change, while maintaining ethical, inclusive, and evidence-informed frameworks.
Speakers
Akm Alamgir
Akm Alamgir earned a Ph.D. degree in evaluation, a Master's degree in epidemiology, and a Bachelor's in medicine. Knowledge & Learning at Access Alliance (Toronto), an Adjunct Professor at York University (Toronto), and an Academic Editor of the scientific journal PLOS One. He is a mixed-method community-based researcher on social determinants of health in Canada (ORCID #0000-0003-4804-6609). He generates knowledge, creates learning materials, and builds the capacity of the stakeholders. He is the principal investigator of funded research projects on refugees, youth, mental health, and gender-based domestic violence. He is part of preparing the Canadian national standards in Youth Mental Health and Addictions Navigation Services. He is an “expert reviewer” of the Canadian government for the New Frontiers in Research Fund Transformation Competition (NFRFT 2022) applications. He reviews manuscripts submitted to the Journal of International Migration and Integration, PLOS One, and Health Promotion International.
Christen Kong
Christen Kong earned a Master of Social Work specialization in Human Service Management and Leadership and is a Registered Social Worker (843177). She is a Health Promoter at Access Alliance focusing on art-based practices and activities to improve the health outcomes of newcomer populations in Toronto. She is the project coordinator for Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life –HEAL Project, a multi-year intersectoral implementation community based participatory research study on newcomer women survivors of domestic based violence. She is a member of multiple working groups and advisory committees to further the work of women against gender-based violence. She is a placement supervisor and has been a field instructor for students in a variety of disciplines including students from Health in Community, Public Policy, Human Biology and Master of Social Work departments from different universities in Toronto.
Building a Nest Together: Arts Integration for Trauma Healing Among Newcomers
1:30pm – 2:00pm
This session investigates the growing potential of cross-sectoral collaboration between the settlement, healthcare, and arts sectors to support newcomer mental health and wellbeing. Participants will learn how arts-based approaches are being meaningfully integrated into programs and services, contributing to more holistic, culturally responsive, and sustainable models of care. HEAL Project is used as an example of successful art integration from participant to practitioner towards wellness and mental health. The session will delve into emerging practices such as social prescribing, where creative activities are formally recognized as part of health and community care pathways. Attendees will gain insight into how these partnerships are reshaping service landscapes while offering accessible, low-barrier avenues for mental health support among newcomer populations. A key feature is participation in the interactive activity “Building a Nest Together”—a creative, metaphor-driven exercise that symbolizes the care, trust, and collaboration required for successful intersectoral work. This activity will serve as a reflective and imaginative space to explore common challenges, share best practices, and spark innovative thinking about how the arts can be embedded across systems to enhance impact and sustainability.
Speaker
Christen Kong
Christen Kong earned a Master of Social Work specialization in Human Service Management and Leadership and is a Registered Social Worker (843177). She is a Health Promoter at Access Alliance focusing on art-based practices and activities to improve the health outcomes of newcomer populations in Toronto. She is the project coordinator for Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life –HEAL Project, a multi-year intersectoral implementation community based participatory research study on newcomer women survivors of domestic based violence. She is a member of multiple working groups and advisory committees to further the work of women against gender-based violence. She is a placement supervisor and has been a field instructor for students in a variety of disciplines including students from Health in Community, Public Policy, Human Biology and Master of Social Work departments from different universities in Toronto.
Cross-Sectoral Solutions: Strengthening Community Capacity to Address the 'Parallel Pandemic' of Gender-Based Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Through a Survivor-Led Support Program
2:00pm – 3:00pm
The intersecting experience of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Brain Injury (BI) is lacking research, awareness, policies, and resources, despite the commonality and complexity of this intersection. WomenatthecentrE, alongside pan-Canada project partners, identified this gap in research, care, and policy. The Cross Sectoral Solutions project addresses this gap through the adaptation, piloting and evaluation of an evidence-based, trauma and violence-informed, interdisciplinary, and survivor-led pilot program for GBV survivors with suspected BI. Our presentation will retrospectively and reflectively share experiential, evidence-based, and practice-based lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations from the development and delivery of the Cross Sectoral Solutions pilot program. The objectives of the presentation are to: build cross-sectoral community capacity; provide insight for survivor-led work; build the knowledge basis for gender-based violence and brain injury; and provide insight for interdisciplinary program and research initiatives that center GBV-BI survivors.
Speakers
Kelsy Dundas
Kelsy Dundas (she/her) is an abolitionist feminist working towards and on dreaming, collective liberation, and transformative survival for sustainable and abundant todays and tomorrows. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University and a Master of Social Work from York University. She is currently a Program Manager at WomenatthecentrE, leading two initiatives to respectively strengthen community capacity to address the ‘parallel pandemic’ of gender-based violence (GBV)-related brain injury (BI) through a survivor-led support program and build internal team and community capacity to support survivors of GBV.
Gifty Asare
Gifty Asare (Ghanian Canadian (African Canadian) First generation Ghanian (Kwahu Nation) immigrant born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada WomenattheCentrE Gender based violence (GBV) Activist. Gifty is a doctoral graduate of Psychology and Neuroscience at York University. She completed her masters in Psychiatry at McGill university and a Bachelors in Neuroscience at Concordia University. Her expertise is in neuroimaging and neuroclinical interventions in younger and older adults. She has previously worked as a neurofeedback and biofeedback technician aiding in the rehabilitation of TBI survivors. She was a WomenatthecentrE chapter’s co-chair supporting women-identifying survivors of GBV on University campus.da finds it to be a precious way of supporting integration and discovering tools of resilience for everyone.
