An introduction and welcome session that includes a reflection on the land we are calling in from, and our role in solidarity, community grounding and guidelines, acknowledgments and gratitude, technology needs during this conference, interpretation, resources and supports, and the agenda for the conference!

This presentation is a retrospective  overview of the  critical experiential and practice based lessons learned during the development and delivery of the Cross Sectoral Solutions pilot program, a multi-disciplinary pilot that supported survivors of gender-based violence & brain injury. The blue-print is a high-level roadmap, sharing lessons learned, collected knowledge, and practical tools and strategies for service providers, decision makers, students, and educators.

The Cross-Sectorial Solutions Pilot Program is a multi-disciplinary and multi-modal pilot that provided a variety of programs for individuals who have experienced gender-based violence and brain injury. To determine if the pilot program was successful in supporting program participants, we checked in with surveys and focus group discussions. The research was conducted from a survivor-led and trauma-informed lens. This presentation reviews how these methodologies were applied to the pilot program in an effort to promote a sense of community, a safe space to navigate healing, and provide tools and resources to support identified needs of survivors.

 In this session, a certified music therapist shares how music therapy honors and amplifies the strengths and voices of survivors, promoting resilience and recovery. Participants were invited to discuss and learn how music can be a tool for reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and fostering emotional empowerment.

This panel focuses on navigating accessibility challenges faced by survivors of BI-GBV. It explored practical aspects of accessibility for survivors of BI, including those who are new to identifying with having a disability, as well as insights for their support persons.

Five research reviews were conducted in preparation for the Cross-Sectoral Solutions pilot program. A scoping review examined the relationship between rehabilitation professions (PT, OT, SLP, and Physiatry) and survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Two literature scans focused on the roles of peer support and social workers. A public scan explored the intersection of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and gender-based violence (GBV) within demographic groups including Black, Indigenous, older adults, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, refugees, and disabled individuals, identifying gaps in resources and advocacy. Key findings highlighted limited resources for people with disabilities, racial bias in pain management, and barriers to mental health services for migrants. Lastly, a literature scan assessed alternative care practices like art therapy, mindfulness, and spiritual guidance, showing their effectiveness in providing accessible, individualized support for GBV-TBI survivors and emphasizing the need for diverse therapeutic options in addressing GBV-BI.

This presentation provides the rationale and overview of a novel, group-based therapy program for women survivors of gender-based violence with traumatic brain injuries and subsequent cognitive and communication challenges. Feedback and reflections regarding the program as well as next steps are also shared.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many changes to how health-related services are accessed and the supports offered therein. Virtual service delivery has become rather ubiquitous across many sectors, and the experience of accessing in-person services has been affected by issues like decreased capacity and resource limitations. This presentation discusses how these changes have impacted survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are accessing support services. Focus is paid to how survivors can be empowered to make informed decisions when choosing the types of services they would like to access, and how different modes of service delivery may bear on their needs, goals, and sense of autonomy.

This is an insightful round table discussion on the importance of survivor-led and trauma-informed approaches in addressing gender-based violence and brain injury (GBV-BI). This session explores best practices for engaging and empowering survivors, ensuring their voices are at the forefront of GBV/BI initiatives. It also delves into trauma-informed strategies that were implemented during the pilot program and how the safety and well- being of each survivors is prioritized while fostering a supportive environment for their healing and advocacy

Aside from community-based resources, the Canadian Legal System aims to mitigate the impact of legal recourse on disabled survivors of gender-based violence through government-led organizations enabled by relevant legislation. Among such agencies is the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee which functions in accordance with the Substitute Decision Act [1992].

This presentation provides an overview of how disability, and subsequent rights, are defined within the legal system, contrasts the purpose of guardianship laws with practical impacts on survivors, and highlights relevant case law that provides insight into future discussions the Courts invite.

This presentation encompasses a wide range of knowledge and experience gathered from statistical reports on Brain injuries, intimate partner violence, and a combo of the two. It illustrates the disproportionate science behind concussions in sports vs. Concussions related to intimate partner violence. It discusses some compensatory strategies  and  illustrate the hard work that The Cridge has done towards growing this first-of-its-kind program , knowledge sharing and increasing support and awareness. Finally, useful resources in working in the IPV-BI field are shared.

A 20-week program consisting of an assigned peer navigator and support services of communication, yoga, occupational, music therapy, and more was offered to 25 survivors. To evaluate the program outcomes using a RE-AIM-based framework, survivors completed 6 surveys to gather demographic data, health information, and details on their respective GBV-TBI causes and symptoms, along with their knowledge of any associated coping strategies. Survivors also participated in a focus group or interview to assess the program engagement and impact and offer insights into experienced challenges and benefits. While some survivors expressed concerns with fragmented services and a mistrust of therapy, many found peer support highly beneficial, helping them feel less isolated and reconnected with themselves with an increased sense of their capacity for personal healing. Host sites and service delivery staff also provided feedback that included the advantages and drawbacks of remote and virtual program delivery.

This session examines the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), highlighting the different layers of challenges survivors often face. It shares practical strategies to provide effective, inclusive support. The session also includes tips for accessible communication methods and addresses the additional complexities that can shape a survivor’s journey toward healing.

What is Trauma and Brain injury-informed Yoga and how does it specifically support brain health? Reflecting on her experience as a brain injury survivor and yoga teacher, Alissa shares insights into the relationship between brain injury and chronic pain she gathered as program facilitator of Stem from the Brain. Stem was a 10 week program offered by Womenatthecenter from May – August 2024. Alissa guided participants through gentle movement, mindfulness, and breath work, including best practices for Traumatic Brain Injury and concussion. She also shares images created since her head injuries in 2018. Using various techniques like collage and watercolour, she captures the invisible sensations and hard-to-describe symptoms of brain injury. She also offers a brief self-regulating practice that you can replicate anywhere.

This session explores key elements of a newly developed toolkit designed to help those with limited experience working with survivors respond effectively to disclosures of GBV. The session provides practical guidance on managing disclosures, including those that are often overlooked.

This dynamic panel explores the critical need for Bill C-277, An Act to Establish a National Strategy on Brain Injuries. Panelists discuss the urgent need for coordinated care, the societal and systemic gaps this legislation aims to address, and how it can empower survivors and service providers alike. This conversation highlights why Bill C-277 is a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, equity, and access for those navigating life with a brain injury.