Annual Training Forum & AGM 2009
November 2009
Predicting the Storm:
Addressing Violence Against Women and Children in Good Times and Bad
On November 19-20, 2009 in Vancouver, over 250 people gathered together at this highly successful training forum to enhance their skills and become better equipped to support women and children during large-scale events or natural disasters.
The atmosphere for the entire two days of the training forum was energetic and positive, with a full roster of accomplished keynote speakers and workshops. Presentations by lawyer Mavis Erickson on the missing and murdered women in BC and the laws and policies that have impacted First Nations women in Canada, former Olympic athlete Sandra Kirby talking about sexual harassment and abuse in sport, psychiatry professor and clinical psychologist Lisa Najavits discussing her "Seeking Safety" model for working with PTSD and substance abuse and long-time feminist and social activist Ellen Pence offering her insights into change making in our communities, were all highly informative and inspiring.
Forum attendees were particularly responsive to the video screening of You Are Not Alone, which is part of the Peer Anti-Violence Education (PAVE) toolkit. It was presented by three of the creative and courageous women involved in the development of the film, who spoke about their views of the film and ending violence against women.
Here's what some Training Forum 2009 participants had to say...
- Thank you for the relevant workshops, it was difficult to choose.
- The training was very well organized, comfortable and conducive to wonderful learning moments.
- Lovely to see so many more First Nation women participating and up front. Good work EVA BC.
- Lots of emergent issues - thanks for the range. Great info booths, great networking.
- It was a powerful training.