The healing journey

The study was the first of its kind in Canada and was led by Principal Investigator Jane Ursel of the University of Manitoba. Starting in 2004 and lasting four years, SPHERU researchers examined the experience of intimate partner violence and the consequences it has on the lives of women in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

The Saskatchewan portion of the study was led by Mary Hampton, with SPHERU Director Bonnie Jeffery, also a member of the research team, overseeing the project in Prince Albert. Co‐Investigators included Marlene Bertrand, Manitoba Department of Family Services and Housing; Jocelyn Proulx, University of Manitoba; and Lorraine Radtke and Leslie Tutty, University of Calgary.

Community agencies also worked with the researchers, forming partnerships to create results that will help to understand the cycle of abuse and the intervention and prevention strategies implemented to address the cycle.

Goals / Outcomes: This research aims to improve the services offered to women who have been abused and slow the “revolving door” pattern that sees many women stuck in a cycle of repeated abuse and flight. Over more than four years, approximately 275 interviews were conducted since a first wave of participants was recruited. The findings of the study are now being translated into policy and service delivery adjustments and improvements that will or help women prevent or break free of domestic abuse. Additional information can be found on the RESOLVE website.

Funder: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Community/University Research Alliance