Family Violence Initiative

Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the goal of the Family Violence Initiative (FVI) is to prevent and reduce the occurrence of family violence in Canada. Offered by COSTI's Family and Mental Health Services Centre, the Family Violence Initiative provides ongoing information and education to newcomers and first generation Canadians in the prevention of woman, child and elder abuse, in Greater Toronto and surrounding areas.

Through the use of ethnic media, the Family Violence Initiative project raises awareness in ethnocultural communities regarding Canadian laws as they related to family violence, and makes resources available to assist victims and their families. In communities where ethnic media do not exist, creative public education strategies are developed and implemented.

COSTI believes that with increased awareness and better access to information and services, the incidence of family violence is reduced. Increased access to information and services, contribute to newcomers' ability to participate more fully in Canadian society. For victims of violence, access to information, resources and services, remove barriers so that they are able receive the help they need.

Family Violence Initiative Project Activities

Conducting community-based research, using a participatory action approach, to study the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs in ethnocultural communities on the issue of family violence in Hamilton, Kitchener and Windsor.

Collaborating with community partners and ethnic broadcast media to conduct prevention activities on the issue of family violence in Hamilton, Kitchener, Toronto and Windsor.

Creating public education strategies with ethnocultural community partners where ethnic media are not available.

Working with community partners to develop articles on family violence for print media, and programming for broadcast media, so that accurate information is communicated in a culturally competent manner and engages ethnocultural communities.

Community Partners

• Arab Community Centre of Toronto
• Council of Agencies Serving South Asians
• For You Telecare Family Service Centre
• Midaynta Association of Somali Service Agencies
• Multicultural Centre of Kitchener-Waterloo
• Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County
• Polycultural Immigrant and Community Centre
• Punjabi Community Health Centre
• Settlement and Integration Service Organization
• South Asian Women's Centre
• Vietnamese Association of Toronto