Breaking the Silence: Strengthening Black Communities Through Collective DV Prevention

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Overview

This session invites participants into a reflective and engaging conversation on mobilizing Black communities to prevent domestic violence through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and community-anchored practices. Drawing from my research, frontline experiences, and community-based projects, I will share stories and case examples that demonstrate how Black communities are actively confronting gender-based violence while building trust, healing, and accountability. 
 
The session will explore lessons learned from initiatives that center the voices and leadership of Black men and families, while also confronting systemic barriers such as racism, anti-Blackness, and institutional distrust. Through guided storytelling, audience reflection, and collective dialogue, we will examine the role of cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and community solidarity in fostering transformative change. 
 
This session is designed to foster relational engagement. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own experiences, share insights, and explore ways to integrate community-rooted practices into their own work. This conversation is intended for practitioners, researchers, and community organizers who are committed to advancing domestic violence prevention that honours the lived realities and strengths of Black communities.

Speakers

Dr. Patrina Duhaney

Dr. Patrina Duhaney, project lead, is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Her research grapples with issues related to race, racism, victimization, domestic violence and criminalization. She has published widely in multi-disciplinary peer reviewed journals and recently published an article titled, “Criminalized Black women’s experiences of intimate partner violence in Canada” in the Violence Against Women Journal. Dr. Duhaney has over 14 years of experience working as a social worker. She has worked in the violence against women sector for several years supporting women who have experienced gender-based violence. As an educator, she utilizes critical approaches to raise awareness of anti-Black racism and address structural and systemic barriers. 

Sheryl Thompson

Speaker bio coming soon.