Learn about our Transformative Accountability & Justice model through our Executive Summary
WomenatthecentrE has completed a ground-breaking research project where we explored options for an alternative model of justice for survivors of sexual violence. After almost two years of interviews and focus group conversations with survivors, we have developed a framework based on the needs and wants of survivors, centred explicitly and entirely on the types of justice outcomes they find to be lacking from the traditional criminal legal system. This system ultering model of justice shifts power and autonomy back to the survivor, and promotes accountability overall.
Through the summary of our research findings, you will be able to explore the abbreviated framework and outline of the proposed Transformative Accountability & Justice (TAJ) Centre. TAJ is a modern, peer & community supported, holistic model of justice aimed specifically to support survivors of sexual violence on and their journey to find true justice and healing, while at the same time supporting aggressors on their journey to find transformational accountability and rehabilitation.
What Can I Do?
I want to learn more about the program and how to use this model. What can I do?
We are still in the early stages of building out the core TAJ Centre but we are still able to provide you with support and resources, and in some instances, survivor-centred resources in your specific community. If you believe that the aggressor may not be willing to participate in this process, there may be some options on how they may be persuaded to do so. In any event, it is not your responsibility to get them to that stage.
Get in touch and speak to one of our Survivor Support Team members to learn what options are available at this stage of the initiative. Weโre here for you.
I want to learn more about the program and how to use this model, but donโt know where or how to begin. What can I do?
We are still in the early stages of building out the core TAJ Centre but we are still able to provide you with support and resources, and in some instances, resources in your specific community, so contact us and speak to one of our Accountability & Support Team members. Taking responsibility and ownership for the harm caused can be a really daunting and difficult thing to do, but it is possible. Learning how to treat others with respect and kindness, so that past actions are not repeated, are healthy signs of growth.
Get in touch and speak to one of our Accountability & Support Team members to learn what options are available at this stage of the initiative. Weโre here to help.
I want to know more about ways to better support someone who has experienced sexual violence.
Whether you are a family member, a friend, colleague or acquaintance, we know that supporting survivors or aggressors of sexual violence is not easy. Refraining from victim-blaming and shaming, minimising or denying, as well as understanding that the trauma is deep and long-lasting are really important tools to keep in your support toolkit. A commitment to learning about all of the social context of sexual violence is a fundamental part of the work that friends, allies and supporters have to commit to doing. Unlearning and dispelling myths is also a big part of that work, together with acquiring skills and accessing resources to help you, as you help them.
Get in touch and let us know how we can help.
I want to learn more about whether this may be the right alternative for the people I work with.
Whether you work with survivors or aggressors, we know that finding practical and useful resources, especially those that are culturally sensitive, can be a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. Perhaps you have some resources that you have found particularly helpful to the survivors you work with and would like to make them more available and accessible for other survivors. You may also want to learn more about the referral process.
Get in touch and let us know how we can help. Weโre here for your organization and its clients.
Share this Summary & information with your network
Help us raise awareness of this ground-breaking model, which is the first of its kind in Canada. Tell people in your networks, so that they know there is another way to create meaningful trauma-informed change in the lives of survivors and aggressors. Share via email and social media to help spread the word about this innovative new model.
Donate to support the participants
Community engagement is central to the work of ending gender based sexual violence. By donating, you will be playing a critical role in the prevention strategies that get put in place so that aggressors can change their behaviours and attitudes, no longer using violence to exert power and control over others. Your donation will further support the development and delivery of peer-based strategies and resources offered to survivors and aggressors, to keep them on their healing journeys.
All donations go directly to the Womenโs Centre for Social Justice, to facilitate the Transformative Justice & Accountability Centre.
