A crucial platform for discussions and initiatives against gender-based violence.
TAV 2025 was a two-day virtual conference focused on addressing gender-based violence through an intersectional and trauma-informed lens. With a strong emphasis on the experiences of newcomer, immigrant, refugee, and racialized communities, the event convened service providers, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to engage in urgent, solution-driven dialogue.

Timed just ahead of International Women’s Day, the event highlighted the collective responsibility to challenge systemic inequities and build safer, more inclusive communities for women+, girls+, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Canada.

Event Highlights

Day 1 – March 5, 2025

• Welcome & Land Acknowledgment
• Panel Discussion: Exploring Settlement Organizations’ Responses to Gender-Based Violence
  Speakers: Anne Oserin-Pinnock, Nissaba Hido, Shruti Gola
  Moderator: Rasha Mehyar
• Session: Challenging Harmful Narratives Around Image-Based Sexual Abuse
  Speaker: Dr. Julia Chan
  Moderator: Stuti Kapadia

Day 2 – March 6, 2025

• Panel Discussion: Understanding Sexual Violence on Racialized and Newcomer Young Women+ and Girls+
  Speakers: Dr. Stephanie Montesanti, Leia Syed, Shannon Seeraj
  Moderator: Nidhi Khanna
• Presentation: Structural Vulnerabilities Contributing to Gender-Based Violence Against Immigrant Women+ and Girls+
  Speaker: Rae Massop
• Presentation: From Surviving to Thriving: Preventing Gender-Based Violence Among Immigrant and Refugee Women+ and Girls+
  Speaker: [Insert Speaker Name]
• Fireside Chat: Delivering on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
  Speaker: Anuradha Dugal
  Moderator: Sampada Kukade

Key Themes

• Trauma-informed approaches to GBV prevention
• Intersectional impacts of racism, migration, and systemic inequities
• Structural vulnerabilities in immigrant and refugee experiences
• Survivor-centered, culturally responsive support systems
• Collaborative solutions across sectors and communities