Fostering Safety Across the Lifespan-Increasing Capacity to Support Older Women Experiencing GBV

Although older women in Ontario often experience increased barriers to accessing supports specific to gender-based violence, there are specific tools, frameworks, and evidence-based resources available to bridge gaps and increase service provider capacity to provide trauma informed support. This workshop will provide an overview of available resources and concrete tools that can assist direct service providers across sectors in supporting older women with experiences of abuse and violence within various types of relationships, including:

· Aging Without Violence “Word to the Wise” factsheets
· Her Brain Chose For Her- a visualization of the neurobiology of trauma
· OAITH Training Courses focused on violence across the lifespan
· Mulberry- a new online directory of gender-based violence supports across Ontario
· Training videos featuring a lifespan approach

This workshop focused on concrete tools that can help increase knowledge and skills when supporting older women experiencing gender-based violence.