Over the last several years, DART of Waterloo Region has been busy putting on successful events in the community! Stay tuned, as this page gets updated regularly!
Lunch and Learn Series: 2019-2020
The DART team held several free lunch and learn events throughout the 2019-2020 fiscal year. These events were hosted by various partner organizations and focused on a variety of topics. Here are the various events:
Mobile Emergency Responses to Intimate Partner Violence
Presented by Victim Services of Waterloo Region
Cultural Humility and Knowledge Sharing
Presented by White Owl Native Ancestry Association
Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence
Presented by Women Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Early Prevention: Healthy relationships in elementary schools
Presented by Family Violence Prevention Program, Woolwich Community Services
Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors
Presented by Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Overview of Bill C75
Presented by Dominique Kennedy; Assistant Crown Attorney
Waterloo Region Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
Presented by Waterloo Region Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
Self-Care for Frontline Trauma Workers
Presented by Wilmot Family Resource Centre
February 20, 2020, The DART Health Engagement Task Force presented to the Emergency Medical Doctor’s at Grand River and St. Mary’s Hospital. The discussion focused on the associated risk factors in pregnancy, the supports available with the Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, and the supports that Police offers through their Domestic Violence Unit.
February 13, 2020, Increasing Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence: For the sixth year in a row, Conestoga hosted the Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) of Waterloo Region for a panel discussion on domestic violence. The discussion, held at the Doon campus, was presented to an inter-professional group of students from the Practical Nursing, Social Service Worker, Policing and Community Safety programs.
January 16, 2020, the DART Health Engagement Task Force held an event at Wilfrid Laurier University for the Social Work Students. This event focused on a panel discussion on domestic violence.
March 15, 2019, the DART Health Engagement Task Force held an event at Wilfrid Laurier University for the Social Work Students. This event focused on a panel discussion on domestic violence.
February 20, 2019, Increasing Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence in our Community. The DART Health Engagement Task Force held another event at The Medical School, which focused on a panel of speakers form various organizations within our community that shared their expertise in working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
February 7, 2019, Increasing Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence: For the fith year in a row, Conestoga hosted the Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) of Waterloo Region for a panel discussion on domestic violence. The discussion, held at the Doon campus, was presented to an inter-professional group of students from the Practical Nursing, Social Service Worker, Community Safety, and Policing programs.
December 6, 2018, the DART Health Engagement Task Force held another event at Public Health called: Domestic Violence in Waterloo Region: Identification, Response and Prevention, which focused on a panel of speakers from various organizations within our community that shared their expertise in working with folks who have experienced domestic violence.
November 30, 2018, The DART Health Engagement Task Force Held an event on Integrating Trauma & Violence Informed Care to Recognize & Respond Safely to Domestic Violence. We had two guest speakers, Nadine Wathen, PhD and Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, PhD, RN, FAAN who discussed how to integrate best practices and emerging evidence in trauma- and violence-informed care, and violence against women, to safely recognize and respond to those who may be experiencing domestic violence.
October 16, 2018, Annual DART Conference on Working Together to Prevent Family Violence. Keynote speaker was Dr. Susan Jack, who focused on sharing her research on understanding and responding to family violence. We also had TK Pritchard, Public Education Manager for the Sexual Assault Support Center (SASC) of Waterloo Region discuss ‘Engaging Men In Violence Prevention’ and ‘Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Interventions’, along with Ingrid, a domestic violence survivor who shared her powerful story of pain and victimization.
March 21, 2018, The Role of Family Doctors in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: The DART Health Engagement Task Force organized an event for medical residents at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Guest speakers Christine Taylor RSW MSW and Lisa Medeiros RN (Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre) and Derek Morgan (Public Services Health and Safety Association) along with a panel of experts discussed: the clinician’s role and responsibilities in assessing domestic violence and sexual assault, community resources, legislation, and prevention.
March 9, 2018, Social Workers on the Front Line of Real Issues: The DART Health Engagement Task Force held an event for social workers at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. A panel discussion of experts provided information on services available in the community.
February 16, 2018, Increasing Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence: For the fourth year in a row, Conestoga hosted the Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) of Waterloo Region for a panel discussion on domestic violence. The discussion, held at the Doon campus, was presented to an inter-professional group of students from the Practical Nursing, Social Service Worker and Community Safety programs.
DART Health Engagement Task Force Family Violence Prevention Fact Sheet: The DART Health Engagement Task Force generated an information sheet intended for professionals regarding family violence prevention. This information sheet is evidence based, using the best available research on the topic. It provides information on the health consequences of family violence, statistics on who is impacted, and an ecological model which details how service providers can promote and support different factors in order to prevent family violence before it starts. Funds were used for the generation of the information sheet (i.e. graphic design) and printing. This sheet has been distributed at all Health Engagement Task Force events and trainings and will also be distributed at the 2018 DART Conference.
October 3, 2017, Annual DART Conference, The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children: Keynote speaker Pamela Cross (Legal Director of Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre) discussed family law in the context of domestic violence, particularly how the processes and outcomes impact children. We also had D/Cst Sandor Iles (Cyber Crimes – Waterloo Regional Police Service) and Theresa Karn MSW, RSW (Manager of Clinical Services – Carizon Family and Community Services) share their expertise on the subject matter.
Oct 3, 2016, Annual DART Conference, Violence in the Workplace: Keynote speakers Dr. Peter Jaffe and Margaret MacPherson from the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at the University of Western Ontario provided informative presentations on the topic of domestic violence in the workplace. Derek Morgan, a Health and Safety Consultant with Public Services Health and Safety Associated spoke regarding legal obligations and resources. The event was well attended and received media attention in the Kitchener Record: http://www.therecord.com/news-story/6892841-domestic-violence-can-often-be-seen-in-workplace/.
May 5, 2016, Forum on Culture, Faith and Domestic Violence: This forum provided an opportunity for dialogue led by the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Dr. Kristine Lund and the Reverend Dr. Brice Balmer gave a keynote address and panelists from different faiths, cultures and the Waterloo Region Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) shared their experiences.
Mar & May, 2016, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Historical Knowledge Training: Over the last several months, Ela Smith from White Owl Native Ancestry Association provided three training sessions intended for front line workers who are working with victims of domestic violence who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. This training was very well received and helped provide a foundational understanding of colonial history for staff. Please visit the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action Webpage as an additional resource for learning: http://truthrc.weebly.com/
Apr 21, 2016, Domestic Violence & the Workplace: The DART Health Engagement Task Force organized an event for a networking group of human resources, and health and safety employee supervisors. Participants learned steps to take to address domestic violence in the workplace. Information was also provided about supporting resources and services available in the community to address domestic violence.
Apr 15, 2016, Domestic Abuse in Pregnancy: The DART Health Engagement Task Force provided intimate partner violence during pregnancy training for midwives using the Routine Universal Comprehensive Screening Protocol (RUCS). Participants increased their understanding of the impacts of domestic violence during pregnancy. The RUCS Protocol, developed through the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Task Force on the Health Effects of Woman Abuse, is designed to improve early identification of woman abuse, as well as assessment and documentation of a woman’s health status and referral to appropriate community resources.
Feb 11, 2016, Increasing Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence: Conestoga hosted the Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) of Waterloo Region for a panel discussion on domestic violence. The discussion, held at the Doon campus, was presented to an interprofessional group of students from the Practical Nursing, Social Service Worker and Community Safety programs. Check out this Conestoga College Blog Post for an overview of the day.
Dec 3, 2015, Domestic Violence and the Workplace: the DART Health Engagement Task Force organized an event for human resources, and health and safety employee supervisors. This event was titled Domestic Violence and the Workplace and was very well received by participants. The session aimed to increase participants’ understanding of the impacts of domestic violence in the workplace and learn about strategies and local resources to assist employees.
Nov 18, 2015, Annual DART Conference, Understanding Faith, Culture and the Law Relating to Domestic Violence, Increasing Transcultural Sensitivity and Competence
Oct 26, 2015, Trouble at Home: Combating Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment: the DART Health Engagement Task Force organized an event for medical residents at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine called “Trouble at Home: Combating Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment“. Guest speakers Dr. Kathleen Nolan (pediatrician), Dr. Mohit Bhandari (orthopedic surgeon) and Dr. Robin Mason (scientist) gave insightful presentations which aimed to 1) increase understanding of the prevalence of IPV among women with injuries; 2) discuss identification and the first response by healthcare providers; and, 3) provide a general outline approach to suspected child abuse. DART member agencies were also present and provided information on the services that are available within the region to address IPV and child maltreatment.