The Public Health Agency of Canada gave $1,008,271 to the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC), part of the Western University Faculty of Education. The grant will make the centre the National Knowledge Hub, which will provide programs to support victims of intimate partner abuse and child abuse
Linda Baker, Learning Coordinator for CREVAWC, said they are thrilled to receive the funding and the title. “It’s a great honor and a great responsibility, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Part of the funding will go towards trauma related health promotion, which Baker explained is different from general health promotion because the trauma intimate partner abuse and child abuse victims face has a burden on their health. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the mental health issues stemming from trauma, which could also affect heart and immunity health.
“What we want to do is to bring that trauma lens to the area of health promotion in terms of how can we best help them heal, and recover and enjoy the best health that they possibly can.”
She added the opportunity will bring researchers, health care professionals, and those who experienced abuse together, which will strengthen the various projects the centre offers. “Instead of communities working on a specific project in isolation, there’s an opportunity for collaboration and to really learn from each other, so that’s exciting to be able to help facilitate that.”
