Research

Community Visits

Guided by the Advisory Committee, and with the support of community-based partner organizations, seven Nunavut communities were visited for this project:

  1. Iqaluit
  2. Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
  3. Pangnirtung
  4. Kugluktuk
  5. Cambridge Bay
  6. Rankin Inlet 
  7. Arviat

Interviews and Focus Groups

Thirty-eight Inuit women with lived experience were interviewed and seven focus groups consisting of Inuit and non-Inuit service providers were held. Discussions centred on what elements of the Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) have been effective in addressing family violence in the territory since its implementation in 2008, and the legal barriers and needs that continue to persist and remain unmet.

Project Findings

Key findings from the research included:

  • Role of Inuit society
  • Impacts on family members and relationships
  • Addictions as a factor contributing to, or exacerbating, family violence
  • Implementation of FAIA provisions, including Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) and Community Intervention Orders (CIOs)
  • Trust in the legal system
  • The need for additional supports and follow up:
    • Emergency housing or shelters for both abusers who may be ordered out of the home, as well as for women and children fleeing violence
    • Information about assistance available under FAIA, as well as other programs to be provided at shelters and community spaces
    • More programs to be provided to meet the specific needs of women and children
    • Inuit-specific healing services and wellness programs
    • Family support and social workers with appropriate trauma-informed, culturally sensitive training who can provide follow up to family members

Final Report on Access to Justice for Family Violence in Nunavut - Research and Awareness Campaign

OVERVIEW

RESEARCH PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

REPORT IN BRIEF

VALIDATION OF FINDINGS REPORT