Taken directly from resources provided by the Safe Horizon Society for Abuse Response. Please reach out to me (Sifu Rybak) if you choose to participate; you do not need to disclose which Focus Group you select. For participation tracking purposes only.
Tri-Region Gender Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Project
Phase 2: Focus Group Discussions with Community Members
Greetings,
You are invited to participate in an upcoming focus group discussion on the prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Tri-Municipal Region, which includes Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County.
Each focus group will include 8–12 participants and will be guided by a series of open-ended questions to encourage meaningful dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives. The purpose of these discussions is to better understand public awareness of GBV, explore perceptions of risk and prevention, and identify opportunities for action. Insights gathered will inform both short- and long-term recommendations for GBV prevention and support the development of a region-wide public awareness campaign.
We appreciate your time and support, and kindly ask that you take a moment to carefully review the following information below.
Background Information:
The Tri-Region GBV Awareness Project is an initiative led by Safe Horizon Society for Abuse Response with research support from the Collaborative Applied Research for Equity in Health Policy and Systems (CARE) Lab of Dr. Stephanie Montesanti at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health. As recipients of the Government of Alberta Family Violence Prevention Grant Program, Safe Horizon contracted Dr. Montesanti’s CARE Lab to carry out a 3-phase GBV awareness project in the Tri-Municipal Region.
This project uses a community-based approach to gathering local knowledge and perspectives from people living and working in the Tri-Municipal Region. It focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to GBV in the region, as well as identifying gaps in services, community needs, and how prepared local organizations are to support prevention efforts. By connecting with local leaders, service providers, and community members, this project aims to strengthen public awareness and build a shared, evidence-informed understanding of both the social conditions and protective factors related to GBV in your communities.
Focus Group Information:
The Tri-Region GBV Awareness Project team is currently inviting community members to participate in focus group discussions that will help shape both short- and long-term recommendations for preventing GBV in the Tri-Municipal Region.
As we bring groups together, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard. We will thoughtfully consider factors such as gender, age, power dynamics, and lived experiences to support equitable participation. Each session will begin with introductions, a clear explanation of the purpose of the discussion, and a review of confidentiality guidelines.
In any setting where a group discussion could pose safety concerns, we will not proceed with the session. We also aim to be mindful of participants' time and energy. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are never required to answer any question you do not feel comfortable responding to. To support your well-being during the session, support personnel will be available on-site if you need a break or someone to talk to at any time.
Discussion questions will be circulated to attendees one week before our session to allow time for reflection. Following the session, an online survey will be circulated to participants to share feedback on the process and overall satisfaction with the conversation.
Event Details
You're invited to join a focus group to share your thoughts on the social conditions and root causes of GBV, and to explore ways we can work together to prevent harm and support those most affected. Your voice and lived experience are important in helping shape meaningful, community-led solutions that reflect the diverse needs of people across the Tri-Municipal Region.
Please carefully review the sessions listed below and select the one that feels most relevant to you and where you feel most comfortable contributing:
Youth (18-24) Focus Group
Wednesday, August 6th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Stony Plain Public Library, Meeting Room
2SLGBTQ+ Focus Group
Wednesday, August 6th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Stony Plain Public Library, Meeting Room
Indigenous Sharing Circle
Thursday, August 7th from 4:00-6:00 PM
Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre
* Note: A local Elder will join the Sharing Circle to offer support and to open and close the gathering in a good way.
Your comfort and safety are important to us. If you find that these dates or times don't align with your availability, or if you have questions or concerns about confidentiality, privacy, or participating in a group, we want to make sure you have other options. Our Research Manager, Nicole Orji, is available for individual meetings. Nicole has a decade of experience in community work and the nonprofit sector, and she operates from a trauma and violence-informed lens. She is dedicated to creating a safe and comfortable space for you to share your experiences. Please contact Nicole Orji directly via email (norji@ualberta.ca) or by phone (587-646-7070).
The session will last approximately two hours, with refreshments and breaks provided throughout to support participant comfort and engagement. At the start of the session, participants will be asked to complete a consent form that includes permission to audio-record the discussion. The form will clearly outline how anonymity will be maintained and how any identifying information will be removed from the data.
Thank you for your time and interest in supporting our Tri-Region GBV Awareness initiative. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to connecting with you.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/nPaTTxJYpweqno619
Thank you,
Dr. Stephanie Montesanti (Principal Investigator)
Nicole Orji (Research Manager)
Sarah Demedeiros (Research Coordinator)