Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence: A Cultural Perspective for Social Workers
Topic(s): 
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Domestic Violence
Professional Practice
Trauma
Violence
Women
Webinar event date: 
Nov 29, 2024 12:00 pm EST
Webinar link

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Webinar Presenters: 
Nora Elmi, MSW, RSW

Nora Elmi is a Somali-Canadian Registered Social Worker and Private Practice owner in Ontario, recognized for her dedication for empowering individuals and fostering wellness within diverse communities. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she has been a steadfast advocate for marginalized populations, working with numerous organizations to provide essential support and services. Currently serving on the Board of Directors for Project Agape—a Black, survivor-led organization focused on educating on gender-based violence and promoting wellness for survivors—Nora combines her educational background with her lived experience to support individuals, especially Black women, in their healing and personal growth.

Nora specializes in providing culturally relevant therapy for individuals, couples, and families, addressing issues such as intergenerational and complex trauma and helping clients navigate the impacts of systemic oppression. Beyond her therapeutic work, Nora is a respected public speaker, accomplished workshop facilitator, and wellness curator, committed to inspiring women of color to embrace a life grounded in wellness, resilience, and empowerment.

Description

This presentation equips social work practitioners with essential knowledge and cultural insights to understand, address, and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) within diverse communities. Grounded in a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework, the session provides a comprehensive understanding of how GBV and IPV manifest across various cultural contexts, emphasizing how cultural beliefs, social norms, and systemic oppression influence survivors' experiences and the barriers they face in seeking support.

Participants will learn culturally responsive intervention strategies that respect each client’s background and personal experiences. By the end of the session, social workers will gain actionable insights and tools to promote resilience, effectively advocate, and offer culturally affirming support, empowering clients on their healing journeys with dignity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Build a Comprehensive Understanding of GBV and IPV: Equip social workers with a comprehensive understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), focusing on how these issues manifest within various cultural contexts.

2. Addressing Stigma and Cultural Sensitivity: Explore how cultural beliefs, practices, and social norms can influence the experiences of survivors, and identify barriers they may face in seeking support or services.

3. Intervention and Support Strategies: Learn culturally responsive strategies for intervening in gender-based and intimate partner violence cases, ensuring support respects each client’s cultural background and personal experiences.