YWCA Reports & Publications
YWCA Reports & Publications
2012
International Women's Day Bulletin
March 2012
WHEN THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
A Snapshot of Women’s Homelessness in Canada in 2012 covering the rise of women losing their housing, the women most affected and the underlying issues in their lives including poverty, legacies of colonialism and racism, violence, women, abuse and trauma, mental health and criminalization.
2011
IN WHOSE INTEREST? Women, Violence and Loosening Gun Controls in Canada
November 2011
YWCA Canada Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on
Public Safety and National Security on Bill C-19
Aboriginal Women’s Initiative Intersectoral Cross Training Manual
September 2011
YWCA Sudbury & YWCA Canada
A manual for agencies, groups, or individuals who are interested in coordinating intersectoral cross training within social service agencies to build the capacity of frontline workers and gain a greater understanding of Aboriginal issues and provision of culturally appropriate services. Training workshops for four sector areas are highlighted: violence against women, mental health, addictions, and homelessness.
Aboriginal Women’s Initiative Literature Review - A Review of the Literature on Intergenerational Trauma, Mental Health, Violence Against Women, Addictions and Homelessness among Aboriginal Women of the North
September 2011
YWCA Sudbury & YWCA Canada
An informative review of the current literature conducted for the Aboriginal Women’s Initiative focusing on the history and impact of abuse on Aboriginal women in the Sudbury area and highlighting needs and gaps. Provides background information including the history of Aboriginal women and the impact of colonization, examines the challenges for women who experience violence, mental health, addiction and homelessness, and reviews the literature on prevention of violence against Aboriginal women and shelters and services.
Aboriginal Women’s Initiative Women’s Wellness Journey Manual
September 2011
YWCA Sudbury & YWCA Canada
A manual for agencies, groups, or individuals interested in hosting a Women‘s Wellness Journey for Aboriginal women. Developed in consultation with Aboriginal women and using the seven Grandfather teachings, the Journey addresses the specific needs of Aboriginal women who are homeless and experiencing other challenges, such as mental health issues and addictions.
Digital Conversations about Women, Gender and Violence in Social and New Media
March 2011
YWCA Canada Brief to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women: Study of the impact of social media and new communications technologies on violence against women and girls
Educated, Employed and Equal
March 2011
The Economic Prosperity Case for National Child Care
Women’s advances in the work force and education over the last three decades demonstrate an unstoppable movement toward equality and mark a quiet revolution in women’s lives. The gender gap has closed in employment numbers and reversed in education without a corresponding social policy response. Canada needs early learning
and child care services, not a social policy gap that is decades behind reality.
2010
Prosperity for the Majority: Toward Economic Security for Women
August 2010
Pre-Budget Submission to the House Standing Committee on Finance calling for the implementation of gender budget analysis, a new federal-provincial agreement on early learning and childcare, a National Housing Strategy with a gender lens, funding for women’s housing in Northern Canada, funding for programs serving homeless women, coordinated policies for violence against women, and increased federal transfer payments for legal aid.
Presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security on Bill C-391
May 2010
Connects the long gun registry to women’s safety and presents cogent reasons to maintain the registry as one piece of Canada’s gun control system.
Peace Order and Good Government: Putting Victims First in Gun Control Legislation in Canada, Submission to the House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security on Bill C-391
March 2010
Brief to the House of Commons on the necessity of preserving the long gun registry to ensure women’s safety.
2009
A Girl’s Guide to Knowing Her Rights
October 2009
Knowing about your rights and responsibilities is an important part of being able to keep yourself safe at home, at school and in your community.
Executive Summary, Life Beyond Shelter: Toward Coordinated Public Policies for Women’s Safety and Violence Prevention
October 2009
Outlines the highlights and recommendations of the policy paper.
Life Beyond Shelter: Toward Coordinated Public Policies for Women’s Safety and Violence Prevention
October 2009
Extensive policy recommendations to ensure women can live safely in community post-shelter including crucial need for policy coordination across jurisdictions and levels of government.
Recommendations, Life Beyond Shelter: Toward Coordinated Public Policies for Women’s Safety and Violence Prevention
October 2009
Full recommendations of the policy paper by level of government.
Broad Investments: Counting Women in to the Federal Budget 2009
January 2009
Recommendations to the federal government to implement economic measures to support Canadian women and their children through the recession.
Fresh Start™
2009
Revised in 2009
Written for women dealing with violence or abuse in their personal lives, Fresh Start™ supports women as they assess their options by detailing the dynamics and likely consequences of domestic violence. This easy-to-use-and-understand reference guide helps to create a detailed safety plan, mapping out steps for women to achieve security, wellness and economic independence. To order copies, visit the online mall.
2008
No More Running In Circles Discussion Paper, Beyond Shelter Walls
September 2008
Discussion paper exploring links between intimate partner violence, lack of supports leaving shelter and homelessness among women and children.
YWCA Canada Report on The Status of Women and Girls in Canada
September 2008
Summarizes key issues facing women and girls; outlines strategies to address these issues and increase women’s equality.
2007
“You Just Blink and It Can Happen”: A Study of Women’s Homelessness North of 60
November 2007
Prepared for: Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, YWCA of Yellowknife, Yellowknife Women’s Society & Yukon Status of Women’s Council.
Pan-territorial report of conditions across Canada’s North that cause women to become homeless.
A Little Kindness Would Go a Long Way: A Study of Women's Homelessness in the Yukon
March 2007
Prepared for: Yukon Status of Women Council.
Report on the conditions in the Yukon and among Northern territories that contribute to women becoming homeless.
Being Homeless Is Getting to Be Normal: A Study of Women's Homelessness in the Northwest Territories
March 2007
Prepared for: YWCA Yellowknife and the Yellowknife Women’s Society.
Report on the conditions in the Northwest Territories that underlie women’s homelessness.
The Little Voices of Nunavut: A Study of Women's Homelessness North of 60
January 2007
Prepared for: Qulliiit Nunavut Status of Women Council.
Report on conditions in Nunavut causing high rates of women’s homelessness.
2006
Effective Practices In Sheltering Women Leaving Violence In Intimate Relationships
June 2006
Captures the journeys of 368 women as they entered and left emergency shelters across Canada, detailing supports and resources women need in and beyond shelter.
Building a Community Architecture for Early Childhood Learning and Care: Blueprints for Community Architecture for Early Childhood Learning and Care
March 2006
Recommendations for the implementation of early childhood education and child care by four jurisdictions in Canada.
Submission to UN Hope for the Nation
March 2006
Recommendations to the Canadian government to meet its international commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.
2005
Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
September 2005
Advocates for the implementation of policies, services and resources to improve the status of women in Canada.
Submission to the UN Regional Consultation on Women and the Right to Housing in North America and Canadian Minister of Labour and Housing
September 2005
Recommendations for creation and implementation of a national housing plan with recommendations specific to the needs of women fleeing domestic violence.
Joint Declaration on Religious Arbitration in Family Law
June 2005
Joint statement opposing introduction of religious arbitration to the Arbitration Act in Ontario.
Protecting Equality Rights of Women in Canada: Opposition to Religious Arbitration in Family Law
June 2005
Analysis of the problems with expanding Arbitration Act in Ontario to allow religious arbitration in family law proceedings.
2004
Brief to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women
December 2004
Details key fundamental issues to address to improve the status of women in Canada.
2000
Playing with Rainbows
2000
A National Play Program
Playing with Rainbows: A National Play Program for At-Risk Refugee Children is an initiative of The YWCA Canada and is supported by YWCA Member Associations across the country.
A manual outlining an innovative play-based therapeutic group model designed to facilitate healing in children who have been traumatized by experiences of war and migration. Simple interventions are used to equip children with age appropriate, culturally sensitive coping skills.
Well organized and accessible, the 300-page manual will be of interest to those working with children and adults in a wide range of settings. It contains useful background information on topics such as how to use play in counselling, understanding child development and the impact of traumatic experiences on children. The manual includes a very detailed description of a model for a 12 session children’s group, with suggestions for a wide variety of activities and exercises.
A flexible framework to suit the needs of children from different backgrounds, content adaptable for children ranging age 4-12. Easily incorporated in other systems such as school and daycare settings.
Due to it's large file size, Playing with Rainbows is made available on a 1GB USB key through the YWCA Canada Online Mall.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Introduction to the project
Goals and Objectives of Playing with Rainbows Groups
Background Information
The Impact of War and Migration on Children
Developmental Considerations
Using Ploy in Counselling
Storytelling
Puppetry
The Use of Art in Working With Children
Preparing For Your Playing with Rainbows Group
Group Format
Recruiting Group Participants
Screening
Getting Ready For Your Playing with Rainbows Group
Group Facilitators’ Self-Care
Tips on Communicating Through a Cultural Interpreter
The Playing with Rainbows Group
Session 1 Getting to Know Each Other .
Session 2 Feelings
Session 3 Pre-Migration and Migration
Session 4 Families
Session 5 The Concept and Phenomenon of War
Session 6 Goodbyes and Hellos
Session 7 Dreams
Session 8 Anxiety and Not Remembering
Session 9 Coping Skills and Conflict Resolution
Session 10 Stress Management
Session 11 Safety
Session 12 Self-Esteem and Closure
Caregivers Sessions, Managing Problems, Evaluation and Resources
Sessions for Coregivers
Managing Problems In A Playing with Rainbows Group
Evaluation of Playing with Rainbows Groups
Bibligraphy and Resources
