Assessing the stigma and lack of reporting of IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) in south Asian women in Surrey, BC – Surleen

How could outreach through cultural or religious centres ensure confidentiality and safety for women who fear social or familial backlash if they report IPV?

Surleen proposed a very realistic and thoughtful solution: adding broader, non-specific informational materials to the booth so that individuals approaching it would not be automatically identified as seeking support for intimate partner violence. This approach would help preserve confidentiality and reduce any stigma or unintended risk for those seeking help.

By creating a booth that appears to offer general community resources, such as information on wellness, safety, legal rights, housing, or mental-health support, it becomes a safe initial point of contact for potential victims. People can explore materials discreetly, learn about available services, and access pathways to assistance without alerting an abusive partner or drawing unwanted attention from others in the community.

In addition, this strategy could help normalize conversations around support services in general, making the booth feel more approachable to everyone. It can also serve as a gateway for victims who may not yet feel ready to disclose their situation but still benefit from exposure to resources, safety planning tools, and information about where to seek confidential help when they are ready.

The presentation had a strong, logical flow, and the case study was particularly effective in illustrating not only the core issue but also how a potential solution could be navigated in a real-life context. The example helped ground the concepts and made it easier to understand the practical steps involved.

As highlighted during the presentation, the abundance of available resources—while valuable, can also be overwhelming. For many individuals, it can be difficult to know where to begin or which service is most appropriate for their unique situation. The presentation did a great job of demonstrating how guidance, clarity, and structured support can help people make informed decisions and connect with the resources that best meet their needs.

1. Develop a clear, linear support pathway for women. While providing resources is essential, information alone is often not enough for women experiencing intimate partner violence. Taking action can be incredibly challenging due to fear, cultural expectations, financial dependence, or lack of support. A more structured, linear pathway, tailored to the needs of specific cultural or linguistic groups, would make it easier for individuals to understand their options and take the next step safely.
   This could include step-by-step guidance, culturally relevant service options, designated support workers who understand community contexts, and simplified navigation tools. By reducing complexity, we can help victims move through the system with greater confidence and clarity.

2. Strengthen relationships with religious and community groups, the presentation noted the difficulty of collaborating with certain religious groups due to conflicting beliefs. This challenge highlights the need for a more intentional, strategic approach to relationship-building.
   Improvements could include:

   • Identifying community leaders who are open to partnership and can act as bridges.

   • Offering culturally sensitive training to build understanding of intimate partner violence as a human rights and safety issue rather than a moral or cultural conflict.

   • Creating dialogue spaces where concerns can be discussed respectfully and misconceptions addressed.

   • Highlighting shared values—such as safety, dignity, and family well-being—to find common ground.

   By strengthening these connections, service providers can create safer entry points for victims who rely heavily on their religious or cultural communities.

1. Illustrate a similar successful program to increase buy-in. To strengthen the proposal and build participant confidence, the presentation could include an example of a similar program that has already demonstrated success. Highlighting evidence from a comparable pilot, whether from another community, province, or cultural setting, would show that the model is both viable and effective. Pilots are valuable, but referencing established studies or programs helps increase credibility, reduce perceived risk, and encourage greater buy-in from stakeholders.
2. Provide a concrete example of what the booth could look like offering a clear visual or description of the booth setup would also enhance understanding. For instance, the booth could be designed as a general Community Wellness and Safety Information Hub, rather than something specifically labeled for intimate partner violence. This would help protect confidentiality and make the space approachable for anyone.
3. Create discreet take home items for women to reference at a later time without suspicion. As done with domestic violence having receipt papers with resource numbers or samples with information on the inside would allow for women to step away with vital information.
4. An interactive portion of the presentation, such as a online quiz or survey.