A Continuum of Care for Women and Children fleeing Violence (2017)
Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research (MMFC)
University of New Brunswick (UNB-F), Fredericton, Canada
(Co-investigator: Dr. Cathy Holtmann, Associate Professor: Sociology, University of New Brunswick)
This is a comparative research regarding global models for continuum of care services, for women victims of domestic /intimate partner violence (D/IPV). The objective is to assist women victims of IPV in New Brunswick (NB), who are at risk of homelessness. This research was implemented in partnership with: First Steps Housing Project Inc. (Saint John, NB) & Ernst & Young LLC (Canada).
The methodology consist of: secondary & tertiary data analysis, institutional evaluation, policy & practices assessment. Hence, metadata & tertiary data, from – governmental & intergovernmental sources (UN, UNDP, WHO); existing research; service providers’ records; organisational databanks (policy documents, manuals, directories, laws); media & news content; and, annual & study reports from organisations involved in care provision for D/IPV survivors – were examined.
The objective was to review & asses global examples – about best practices, systems, models and care frameworks – as regards D/IPV (immediate & midterm support). Hence, comparatively analysis was conducted regarding global models – of long-term care, of transition indicators (for transferring family/victim in the continuum of care: emergency-intermediate-long term); of prevention methods for cycle of violence; of innovative care systems; & of employment behaviour of IPV survivors. Models for IPV care in – Spain, Austria, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Iceland & Germany (nations with lowest IPV rates), were comparatively assessed.
The IPV care models in the aforesaid nations were compared to the care model in New Brunswick (NB). Thus, Govt. of NB’s Woman Victims of Abuse Protocols, regional family violence networks, shelter homes, provincial laws, legal system, law enforcement, legal assistance organisations, crisis support institutions, transition houses, and so on, were evaluated.
- Summary of Findings:
Successful models of care for IPV are characterised by comprehensive national level programs, evidence gathering for informed policymaking, and focus on gender equity. Governments, like in Australia, ratify that gender inequality is the main reason for D/IPV against women; hence, offer provisions like the Gender Equality Fund for countering gender inequity. Sound legislations and laws are vital, such as legislations in Spain mandating technological solutions for enforcing compliance with precautionary and/or punishment-oriented restraining orders. The intervention framework of effective care-models focus on prevention and education, as nations, like Iceland, envision outreach and awareness measures as the only way for not only reducing IPV, but also for lessening the burden on their emergency systems.
- Report: Best Practices, Transition Indicators and Integrated Service Delivery Approaches (2017)
Breaking Barriers and Moving Forward (2017)
Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research (MMFC)
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton, Canada)
(Co-investigator: Dr. Cathy Holtmann, Associate Professor: Sociology, University of New Brunswick)
This is an exploratory research, examining the diverse challenges & barriers faced by ‘newcomer women’ (immigrants, permanent residents, refugees, temporary workers/spouses, international students/spouses), particularly of Asian heritage, in New Brunswick (NB) & Atlantic Canada. The objective is to lessen these barriers, in order to facilitate successful integration. The methodology utilized was: participatory research & focus groups. The participants comprised of: (approximately 100) immigrants in NB, Govt. of NB representatives, academics, students, immigrant settlement & community organizations, healthcare & social workers, counselors, and activists.
- Summary of Findings:
Newcomer women in NB face three key barriers. The 1st barrier (individual, cultural & social barrier) comprises of inability to properly comprehend English or French, social isolation due to lack of connection with mainstream community, and prejudice in wider society (such as at children’s schools). The 2nd barrier (economic & geographical) encompasses ineligibility of education and work experiences from outside of Canada, and lack and/or inadequate public transportation. The 3rd barrier (political and structural) entails insufficient sensitization of mainstream population and governmental personnel in NB, regarding needs of immigrants groups. Strategies to counter these barriers include governmental intervention for integrating newcomer women in workforce, sensitisation of mainstream population regarding immigration & multiculturalism, and so on. Emphasis is required as regards IPV among newcomer women, and barriers faced while accessing care and support services.
- Final report (Breaking Barriers and Moving Forward, 2017).
Final Report Project Video
Digital Workers Research Study (DWRS): 2014 – 16
University of New Brunswick & Social Science & Humanities Research Council, Canada (SSHRC)
(Principal Investigator: Prof Vanda Rideout, Sociology, University of New Brunswick – Fredericton).
Funded by the SSHRC, this study focuses on digital economy & digital skills, workplace skills of high-tech digital employees – in New Brunswick’s (NB) information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Study uses a critical labour framework for examining the high skilled workforce in the digital industry. The methodology of this study were: semi-structured interviews, case studies, survey, company and secondary data analysis. The participants of this research were: 175 high-skill digital work employees, from three multinational corporation based in NB.
Role & Contributions (as Researcher):
- Implement research (conduct face-to-face & telephonic interviews, and surveys).
- Prepare NVivo software for coding; code 175 transcribed interviews through NVivo and generate results; analyse data and produce conclusions.
- Author company profile, case study & environmental scan – of participating multinational corporations, using secondary & tertiary data, & existing literature.
- Review theoretical and substantive literature – organisation of digital/high-tech work; digital work complexities; digital employees’ levels of education & experience; employee experience of re-skilling, up-skilling or deskilling; identity as a high end digital skilled worker; and skilled worker retention.
- Present Poster regarding research findings – Poster
Research and Development (R&D) Institutes study (2013)
Dept. of Sociology, University of New Brunswick – Fredericton.
(Principal Investigator: Prof Vanda Rideout, Sociology, University of New Brunswick – Fredericton).
This study focused on – world-renowned scientific/industrial Research and Development (R&D) Institutes: Fraun Hoffer Institute, Germany; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA; and National Research Council (NRC), Canada. The research methods utilized were: secondary data, company data, other studies and research, governmental data (patents, tax records).
Role & Responsibilities (as Researcher):
- Comparative analysis of the R&D institutes from 2000 to 2010, for – mandate, vision, strategy and key performance indicators/metrics (research outcomes, financial impacts for region and nation, revenue from patent rights and commercial application of innovations).
- Analyse funding framework, structure of the organizations, number of employees; distribution of funding source between – government (direct & indirect funds, grants, R&D budgetary allocation), self-funding, industry
- Examine structural, operational & mandate changes; policy framework of nation-state governments for science and technology, governmental R&D
Human Rights & Multicultural Associations (2007)
New Brunswick Human Rights Commission (NBHRC),
Govt. of New Brunswick (NB), Fredericton, NB, Canada
This is an investigative study regarding human rights, multicultural associations, and immigrant populations in New Brunswick (NB), Canada. The objective is to assist the Govt. of NB for inflow and retaining of immigrants to NB, in conjunction with the province’s Self-sufficiency Agenda (2007). The methodology employed was: mixed methods framework – quantitative & qualitative data (survey, semi-structured interview), secondary & tertiary data analysis. The participants were: multi-cultural associations in NB (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John).
After an exhaustive review of existing data & literature, data was collected in 2 phases. Phase 1 comprised of survey; and 2nd phase entailed semi-structured interviews with administrators of organisations. Data was transcribed and analysed.
- Summary of findings:
Retention of newcomers in NB is aided by strategies that reduce newcomers’ apprehensions regarding public agencies, and by actions fostering their approachability. For instance NBHRC’s collaboration with multicultural organizations, for preparing training modules, catering to the exact needs of diverse immigrant client (enabling assimilation of immigrant populations, in the social, political, commercial, educational and cultural systems of NB). Improvement of human rights of immigrants is facilitated by increasing awareness of NBHRC staff & clients – regarding NB Human Rights code; regarding agencies responsible of overseeing alleged violations or discriminations; and via policy advice to businesses, managers, and service providers. Availability of information in Mandarin, Spanish & Korean.
- Report: Research on Gathering Information to Assist the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission as it Considers Developing a Strategy to Assist the Province as it Welcomes Immigrants (2007) NB-HRC Report
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