PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Wells, Lana"

Browsing by Author "Wells, Lana"

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Open Access
Advancing Healthy and Socially Just Schools and Communities: An Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
(2019-08) Corcoran, Lynn; Exner-Cortens, Deinera; Wells, Lana
Advancing Healthy and Socially Just Schools and Communities is a four-course graduate certificate program collaboratively developed by an interdisciplinary team comprised of faculty from the fields of Social Work and Education at a Canadian university. The aim of this program is to facilitate systems-level change through enhancing the knowledge and skills of graduate students from disciplines such as social work, education, and nursing who work with youth in schools and communities. The ultimate goal of this systems-level change is promotion of healthy youth relationships and prevention of violence. The topics for the four courses in the program include the following: promoting healthy relationships and preventing interpersonal violence, recognizing and counteracting oppression and structural violence, addressing trauma and building resilience, and fostering advocacy and community in the context of social justice. The development and pedagogy of the certificate program are described, along with findings from a pilot study designed to examine the utility and feasibility of the initial certificate offering. Experiences with the program to date highlight the potential for improvements in graduate students’ attitudes, beliefs, and confidence regarding what constitutes violence and their role in responding to it.
Open Access
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis
(2022-08) Zhu, Jenney; Madigan, Sheri; Dobson, Keith; Wells, Lana; Noel, Melanie
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a significant public health concern that impacts individuals globally. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represents one risk factor for IPV involvement. However, the results of existing research on the association between ACEs and IPV have demonstrated somewhat mixed results. Given the heterogeneity of existing findings, the overall effect size of the association between ACEs and IPV was examined, to in turn inform policy, knowledge translation, prevention, and intervention efforts. Objectives: The present research sought to meta-analytically examine the association between ACEs and (1) IPV perpetration and (2) IPV victimization. Additionally, moderator analyses were conducted to determine demographic factors and study characteristics that may impact the association between ACEs and IPV involvement Method: Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO in August of 2021. One-hundred and twenty-three records were screened for inclusion. All studies must have included a measure of ACEs (i.e., 8-item, 10-item, or other composite measure) and a measure of IPV victimization or perpetration (e.g., physical, sexual, or psychological abuse). Results: Among the 27 studies and 41 samples included in the present meta-analysis, 65,330 participants were included. Across all included studies, 33.84% of participants identified as male and the mean age was 32.10 years (age range, 14-56.9). The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that ACEs were positively associated with IPV perpetration [k = 15, r = .172, (95% CI: .119, .223), p < .001], and victimization [k = 26, r = .200, (95% CI: .143, .255) p < .001]. Results of the moderator analysis demonstrated that the association between ACEs and IPV perpetration and victimization was stronger among studies that examined mixed IPV (i.e., more than one type of IPV) compared to physical IPV exclusively. The association between ACEs and IPV victimization was also stronger among studies that included younger participants and among more recently published studies. Conclusions: The present meta-analyses demonstrate a need for trauma-informed and early approaches to IPV screening, prevention, and intervention. Further, significant moderators identified in the present meta-analyses contribute to a stronger understanding of factors that amplify or attenuate risk for IPV among individuals with ACEs exposure. Future research should build upon these results to help inform resiliency factors that may mitigate risk for IPV.
Open Access
Building a Case for Using “Coercive Control” in Alberta: Discussion Paper
(2020-09) Lee, Lianne; Wells, Lana; Gray, Shawna M.; Esina, Elena
As part of Shift’s collaboration with IMPACT (a provincial collective impact initiative to eradicate domestic and sexual violence in Alberta), a series of papers and trainings modules are being developed to help build an evidence-informed primary prevention framework in Alberta. This particular report was focused on helping members of IMPACT better understand the coercive control model and examine the potential of adopting the model to inform the development of Alberta’s primary prevention framework. A presentation of the findings was also developed and shared with IMPACT members. Findings from this review suggest that the coercive control model has many strengths; however, adoption of the model in Alberta will require additional research to address its limitations and understand the usefulness of the model in advancing primary prevention.
Open Access
Building a movement of men and boys committed to violence prevention and gender equality in Alberta: Informing the Alberta primary prevention framework collaborative
(2023-01-12) Wells, Lana; Pascoe, Laura; Litviniuc, Anya
This report informs Alberta’s next and exciting chapter of expanding work with men and boys to end violence and advance gender equality. It was written to support the Alberta Primary Prevention Framework Collaborative by providing clear and actionable strategies for Alberta’s anti-violence sector as well as the Government of Alberta. We have organized the information into three evidence-informed sections. The first section is the case for engaging men and boys along with foundational theories and approaches to help readers orient themselves in this work. The second section is directed towards the Government of Alberta, to whom we propose a much-needed provincial plan for investing in working with men and boys for a violence-free and gender-equitable Alberta. The provincial plan details how to support and advance this work in communities, organizations, and across Alberta, along with policy and legislative reforms needed to create the social conditions to enable more men and boys to prevent violence and advance gender equality. The final section is geared towards leaders and practitioners. Here, we clearly state what we aim to achieve through this work by articulating the specific change outcomes we seek and the behaviours that gender equitable, nonviolent men demonstrate. This is followed by concrete strategies, skills, and approaches for targeting men and boys, and the settings in which they live, learn, work, socialize, play, and worship to support and reinforce prosocial behaviours.
Open Access
Building a Movement: Mobilizing more men for violence prevention, gender equality, and social justice in Canada: Recommendations for the Government of Canada
(2022-10-01) Pascoe, Laura; Wells, Lana
The Government of Canada is committed to ending violence and advancing gender equality. To strengthen these efforts, a national strategy is urgently needed that will support the engagement and mobilization of more men and boys to stop violence before it starts and achieve gender and social justice. This report responds to Women and Gender Equality Canada’s interest in advancing this work and provides concrete and evidence-informed opportunities and recommendations to support the research, collaborations, partnerships, network-building, capacity building, processes, and funding needed to do just that. It was undertaken as part of the Calling In Men research project and builds on previous recommendations made to the Government of Canada and Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Open Access
Building a Provincial Positive Fatherhood Involvement Strategy: Results from the Nov 21, 2013 Consultation in Red Deer, Alberta
(2013-12) Hansen, Brian; Wells, Lana; Dozois, Elizabeth
This report summarizes the information gathered from a consultation session conducted on Thursday, November 21st, 2013, in Red Deer, Alberta. Participants included academics whose research areas include involved fathering, as well as service providers, and leaders in the community who work with fathers in a variety of capacities. Prior to the consultation, the report “Promoting Positive Father Involvement: A Strategy to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence in the Next Generation” was sent to each participant. This research paper focuses on positive father involvement as an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) prevention strategy, that is, a strategy to prevent IPV before those behaviors develop in the next generation. The report provides a rationale for new investments in positive father involvement strategies including specific recommendations in the areas of research, policy, and programming. This report is situated within a broader research agenda designed to build a comprehensive strategy to engage men and boys in violence prevention. The goal of this full day session was to disseminate knowledge about new research and trends in positive father involvement strategies in Alberta, as well as to explore recommendations and next steps in the areas of research, policy, and programming in Alberta.
Open Access
Building capacity in Alberta to prevent domestic violence: Results from a community of practice project
(2015-02) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Aspenlieder, Laura
In 2011, Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence entered into a formal partnership with the Government of Alberta to rebuild the recently released (November 2013) family violence prevention framework. Both partners agreed on the importance of ensuring that the research on which the prevention framework was based was accessible for practitioners, service providers, policy makers and system leaders throughout the province. Shift also realized that local communities would need to develop the capacity to implement the primary prevention strategies being proposed in the new provincial prevention strategy. As a result, Shift explored evidenced-informed models on knowledge translation, mobilization, and integration and (through a SSHRC Partnership grant and Canadian Women’s Foundation grant) engaged in a pilot project to test a particular Community of Practice (CoP) model in two regions in Alberta. The CoP model piloted was designed with the understanding that the best way to build community capacity for domestic violence primary prevention would be to work through the current research and support practitioners and system leaders to understand how it applies to their local context and communities. We believed this approach would support changes, not only at the individual practitioner level, but also support shifts in decision-making at the organizational, systems, and policy level.
Open Access
Calling in All Men: 26 Recommendations for Engaging and Mobilizing Men to Prevent Violence and Advance Equity
(2022-05) Pascoe, Laura; Wells, Lana; Dozois, Elizabeth
The purpose of the Calling In Men research project is to synthesize evidence-informed primary prevention approaches that engage and mobilize men to prevent and disrupt violence and inequalities, and to share these findings with those funding and working with men and male-identified people in Canada. As part of this project, nine rapid evidence reviews were conducted on promising approaches to motivating and engaging men in violence prevention and gender equality efforts. This report draws on findings from each of the rapid reviews to provide a high-level synthesis of emergent evidence for what works to engage and mobilize men to prevent violence and promote gender justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. It includes a series of recommendations that were developed for a range of stakeholders, including governments, funders, researchers/evaluators, and practitioners. The findings also provide the foundation for identifying gaps in the field and formulating recommendations for the type and level of research, funding, learning, and action needed to make further progress in these areas.
Open Access
The Calling in Men Project FAQs on the 9 Promising Approaches for Practitioners Engaging Men in Violence Prevention and Gender Equality
(2022-10-01) Pascoe, Laura; Wells, Lana; Dozois, Elizabeth; Baker, Elizabeth; Akbary, Hamid; Hansen, Brian
Need a quick overview of the latest research on the bystander approach? Or ever wondered if innovative approaches like the nudge approach, virtual reality, or gamification have a valuable place in work to engage and mobilize men for violence prevention and gender equality? This document answers all your questions about key established and emergent promising approaches for working with men. Dive in, and see what is possible for getting men excited, onboard, and equipped with the necessary skills to end violence and advance gender and social equality!
Open Access
Canadian Scan on Domestic Violence Prevention Policies at the Municipal Level
(2018-10-09) Wells, Lana; Esina, Elena
The purpose of this project is to conduct a preliminary national scan of municipal websites to identify council adopted policies, plans, frameworks, strategies or initiatives that focus on preventing domestic violence and/or sexual violence (referred to as “policies” in this report).
Open Access
A Case and Recommendations for Building Punjabi Community Health Services in Calgary, Alberta
(2014-06) Abboud, Rida; Wells, Lana; Esina, Elena
A small steering committee of individuals (see Appendix 1) in Calgary is interested in exploring the feasibility of a community-service organization that would target South Asian communities. Coupled with interest from the Minister of Human Services, the Honorable Manmeet Bhullar, this group is interested in understanding the best practices of the Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) organization based in Toronto, Ontario, which delivers a comprehensive service delivery model. This model, developed by PCHS-Toronto, implements culturally appropriate interventions in the South Asian communities in the areas of addictions, mental health, aging, health promotion, domestic violence, and parenting (Punjabi Community Health Services, 2010). PCHS started in 1990 by delivering one service – a support service for men with addiction problems – and continued to build its service model by including research and community-level assessments.Today, the organization delivers 24 programs, to various South Asian communities, including public events, educational workshops, and cultural competency training. Shift is interested in supporting community organizations in their pursuit to prevent domestic violence in their communities. This report will support the Calgary committee to understand the essential components of PCHS-Toronto that are required to build a similar organization in Calgary. The model proposed in this report draws on PCHS-Toronto, but does not attempt to replicate it in its entirety because any organization in Calgary needs to be sensitive to, and borne of, the Calgary context.
Open Access
The Case for Reparative and Transformative Justice Approaches to Sexual Violence in Canada: A Proposal to Pilot and Test New Approaches.
(2018-12) Boutilier, Sophia; Wells, Lana
The intention of writing this case and proposal is in response to the highly-visible #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that have provided an opportunity to think about processes for healing from sexual violence and social change. Sexual abusers and harassers are being called out, but where do they go? Where do the victims of sexual violence go if they do not want to pursue a traditional justice response? At Shift, we believe that we need to be working on strategies and initiatives that create hope, healing, and opportunities to transform gender relations and norms. We hope this case will inspire and rally key leaders in communities, government, advocacy, and justice to design, fund, pilot, and evaluate non-mandated programs outside of the criminal justice system. We call for a non-mandated model that integrates restorative, reparative, and transformative principles to respond to sexual violence. We believe that this approach has the potential to meet victims’ needs, rehabilitate offenders, address injustice, and prevent future acts of violence.
Open Access
Changing Contexts: A Framework for Engaging Male-Oriented Settings in Gender Equality and Violence Prevention – Practitioners’ Guide
(2020-04) Dozois, Elizabeth; Wells, Lana
Changing Contexts: A Framework for Engaging Male-Oriented Settings in Gender Equality and Violence Prevention – Practitioners’ Guide is an approach that was designed in partnership with the Engaging Men Learning Collaborative (2017-2020). The ‘Changing Contexts” approach complements current ‘changing minds’ approaches (e.g., psychoeducational) to engaging men in gender equality and violence prevention by highlighting ways that contextual changes can be used to influence behaviour, including changes to social norms, organizational design, sociocultural and physical design. This practitioners’ guide outlines ways that human service professionals can collaborate with constituents of male-oriented settings to change the contextual dynamics within those settings so that the culture, norms, processes, and physical design of those environments cue more prosocial, gender-equitable behaviours.
Open Access
Child Sexual Abuse in Alberta: A Culture of Silence and Inaction
(2018-09-13) Sekhon, Hamreet; Wells, Lana
In today’s changing social landscape with shifting social attitudes, more than ever before survivors of sexual abuse are coming forward with their experiences. Despite the increase in reporting and attention to sexual abuse; incidences of child sexual abuse remain under reported. The aim of this paper is to examine the prevalence of child sexual abuse, analyze literature regarding preventative policy methods, review current Alberta legislation with respect to child sexual abuse, and discuss how the government of Alberta can further their commitment to preventing child sexual abuse through a change in legislation. An analysis of the scope of the problem of child sexual abuse makes it apparent that child sexual abuse is a widely prevalent issue. The literature and legislation review suggest that efforts concerning child sexual abuse prevention have been focused on secondary and tertiary prevention and as a result, will not entirely resolve the problem. This paper illustrates the severe long-term health impacts endured from child sexual abuse and the economic impact that childhood sexual abuse has on Canadian society. In addition, the paper identifies a gap in education and lack of primary prevention measures. The literature suggests that any policy or preventative strategy should be mindful of the needs of diverse and marginalized populations. To prevent child sexual abuse, legislation and research should shift towards evidence-informed prevention measures. The findings of this report suggest the Government of Alberta: • Increase funding towards primary prevention • Create a provincial task force to review the validity and applicability of Erin’s Law • Develop a child sexual abuse provincial framework that is actionable • Call upon the Government of Canada to create a national study on child sexual abuse It is critical that legislation be used as a tool that not only protects children but prevents abuse. Challenging the status quo will require the Alberta government to change legislation substantially while adopting a new paradigm that incorporates both primary and secondary prevention.
Open Access
The connection between professional sporting events, holidays and domestic violence in Calgary, Alberta
(The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 2017-06) Boutilier, Sophia; Jadidzadeh, Ali; Esina, Elena; Wells, Lana; Kneebone, Ron
There are some days in Calgary, Alberta when domestic violence is more likely to happen than other days. There is a statistically significant connection between higher rates of domestic violence and certain Calgary Stampeders’ football games as well as the arrival of the Calgary Stampede. During the 10-day-long Calgary Stampede, domestic violence calls on the seventh, ninth and tenth day of Stampede, were up 15 per cent compared to an average day. Weekends and summer months were also generally associated with the highest rates of domestic violence reports in Calgary. When it came to Calgary Stampeders’ football games, calls were higher only when the Stampeders faced off against the rival Edmonton Eskimos – with a 15 per cent increase in domestic violence reports. Grey Cup games in which Calgary played were associated with a 40 per cent increase in reports of domestic violence. However, games played by the Calgary Flames seemed to have no relationship to domestic violence calls, even those against the rival Edmonton team. Also, New Year’s Day appears to be associated with a significant spike in domestic violence, going by a four-year count of phone calls reporting domestic violence to both police and a local help line for those experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. There are also increases in calls associated with Good Friday, Easter, Canada Day, Labour Day, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Meanwhile, the 2013 catastrophic floods in Calgary resulted in an increase in reports of domestic violence to police and the Connect help line, averaging an additional 6.6 reported incidents of domestic violence per day during the flood, 14 per cent higher than average.
Open Access
Consulting the Community on Advancing an LGBTQ Alberta Framework on the Prevention of Domestic Violence
(2015-10) Hansen, Brian; Wells, Lana
This report contains the findings from a series of six consultations that Shift conducted throughout Alberta to better understand risk factors related to domestic violence victimization and perpetration within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, as well as barriers to help-seeking. A total of 81 individuals from across Alberta were involved in the consultations, including representatives from the LGBTQ communities, the domestic violence sector, health services, school systems and law enforcement. Participants agreed that there is a need for improved capacity among government and community-based organizations to provide better services to LGBTQ victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. In particular, many participants noted that a lack of appropriate and informed services presents a significant barrier to LGBTQ individuals who are trying to exit unhealthy relationships and/or violent circumstances. Domestic violence service providers themselves acknowledged the limitations of their knowledge about the unique experiences of LGBTQ individuals; however, these providers also demonstrated a genuine desire to learn about, and improve, the provision of care to prevent domestic violence within the LGBTQ community. Specific recommendations directed at the Government of Alberta and community-based agencies are included.
Open Access
A Context of Domestic Violence: Learnings for Prevention from the Calgary Filipino Community
(International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 2013) Wells, Lana; Hurlock, Debb; Antonio, Marichu; Lantion, Vic; Abboud, Rida; Claussen, Caroline; Lorenzetti, Liza
There is a lack of interpretive research in the domestic violence literature and, in particular, within an ethnocultural context. Interviews were held with four Filipina women in Calgary, Alberta who had previously been in violent relationships, in combination with a referral group of key informants with leadership and knowledge of community issues related to domestic violence. By adopting a phenomenological approach to the research, it was hoped that new understandings of what is identified in clinical paradigms as the “risk” and “protective” factors associated with domestic violence would be unearthed. This research study is at once exploratory and informative and is intended to contribute to the development of a province-wide plan to address and prevent domestic violence through the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary.
Open Access
Developing a Strategic and Coordinated Approach to Violence Prevention Programming for Children and Youth in Calgary
(2013-01) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Abboud, Rida; Pauls, Monica
The purpose of this research is threefold: 1) to provide an overview of research pertaining to best and promising practices in the area of violence prevention programming for children and youth; 2) to provide an analysis of children- and youth-focused violence prevention programs currently offered by non-profit organizations in Calgary, Alberta; and 3) to provide recommendations to inform subsequent phases for developing a strategic coordinated community approach to violence prevention programming for children and youth in Calgary.This research identified various types of violence prevention programming offered throughout Calgary, specifically identifying the differences between school and community-based programs and universal/targeted approaches.
Open Access
Developing domestic violence primary prevention capacity through a community of practice project: Learnings from Alberta, Canada
(Cogent Medicine, 2017-05-23) Claussen, Caroline; Wells, Lana; Aspenlieder, Laura; Boutilier, Sophia
Domestic violence practitioners and community organizations often lack the capacity to engage in primary prevention activities. In part, this limited capacity exacerbates the gap between evidence-based research and practice, necessitating innovative initiatives specifically aimed at user uptake. Using a community of practice (CoP) model within two distinct communities in Alberta, Canada, we sought to translate research knowledge on domestic violence prevention and build primary prevention capacity with practitioners. One hundred twenty professionals from various sectors attended CoP sessions, with 20 attending all six sessions. Data was collected using in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Interview findings include that face to-face learning was effective for deeper understanding and building networks across sectors, as well as supporting new aspects of prevention work that had not been previously considered. Findings also indicate that skilled facilitation increased CoP effectiveness, particularly where community context was considered in relation to the topics presented. Impacts include changes to discourse, priorities, and resource allocation to support primary prevention. Areas for improvement include a slower pace of information delivery, and increased focus on policy and system changes. Overall, using a CoP model seemed to support knowledge translation and practitioner capacity building in the area of domestic violence prevention. Considerations for future utilization of this model are explored.
Open Access
Domestic & Sexual Violence: A Background Paper on Primary Prevention Programs and Frameworks
(2012-06) Wells, Lana; Claussen, Caroline; Cooper, Merrill
This report provides an overview of domestic violence and prevention definitions, risk and protective factors, and focuses particular attention on the domestic and sexual violence primary prevention frameworks being developed locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, the report provides a brief overview of relevant evidence-based practices in violence reduction. Points of consideration are offered in each section, allowing further reflection of the information in consideration of Alberta’s local context.