Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Rodger, Susan

Abstract

Violence against women (VAW) is a pervasive issue in Canada. VAW organizations are crucial to support diverse women. However, service providers within this sector face significant challenges. This study examines the professional development needs of service providers in the VAW sector, with a specific focus on Trauma-and-Violence-Informed Care (TVIC). Grounded in a constructivist paradigm, we used a qualitative research design to conduct 13 semi-structured interviews with service providers from violence against women (VAW) organizations in Ontario. We then applied thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Knowledge and Use of TVIC, (2) Types of Professional Development, and (3) Approaches to Care. Participants demonstrated varying levels of familiarity with TVIC, with some displaying strong theoretical knowledge but struggling to translate it into practice, particularly when working with marginalized populations. Additionally, participants reported structural barriers hindering their provision of care, such as inadequate resources and staff burnout. Participants identified critical areas for professional development, including foundational TVIC principles, best practices for working with diverse communities, the importance of working in and within community and scenario-based training to improve practical application. Findings suggest that while service providers recognize the importance of TVIC, its implementation is often constrained by systemic limitations.

Summary for Lay Audience

Violence against women (VAW) is a widespread issue that affects individuals and communities across Canada. Many organizations work to support survivors of violence, offering services such as crisis intervention, shelter, and counseling. However, the people providing these services who face challenges that can make it difficult for them to offer the best possible care. This research explores what professional development needs service providers need to improve their ability to help survivors effectively. One important approach in the VAW sector is called Trauma-and-Violence-Informed Care (TVIC). TVIC acknowledges that survivors of violence often face multiple forms of harm, including systemic barriers such as racism, poverty, and discrimination. By understanding these factors, service providers can offer care that is more compassionate, supportive, and responsive to survivors’ unique experiences. However, not all service providers are familiar with TVIC, and even those who are may struggle to apply it in their daily work due to a lack of training or organizational support.

This study interviewed 13 service providers from four organizations in Ontario to better understand their needs. The findings revealed three key themes: (1) differences in service providers’ knowledge and use of TVIC, (2) the need for professional development, and (3) barriers to providing care, such as staff burnout and limited resources. While many service providers recognize the importance of TVIC, they often lack the tools, training, and institutional support to implement it fully.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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