Brandon University is proud to announce the launch of the Rural, Remote and Northern Manitoba Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Resource Guide, a tool designed to help survivors, service providers, and communities access clear, reliable, and culturally informed support, no matter where they live.
Developed by Brandon University's Rural, Remote & Northern Gendered-Violence Research Team, the guide compiles essential information about crisis services, shelters, counselling, advocacy, medical care, and culturally grounded supports across rural, remote, and northern Manitoba. The project was completed in partnership with the Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters (MAWS) and Klinic Community Health, who will maintain and update the guide moving forward.
"Violence does not discriminate by geography, but access to help too often does. Survivors in rural, remote, and northern regions, especially Indigenous women and girls, Two Spirit and gender-diverse people, newcomers, youth, and individuals with disabilities, face unique and urgent barriers." said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies) at Brandon University. "This guide helps close those gaps by providing clear pathways to support that are accessible, culturally informed, and region-specific."
The guide is the result of more than a year of research, including an environmental scan of service providers and direct engagement with organizations across Manitoba. Research assistants gathered standardized information, such as availability of shelters, counselling, advocacy, transitional housing, protection order designates, childcare, and transportation, while also collecting individualized descriptions from each organization.
These data were transformed into maps and compiled into a visually accessible with illustrations from artist Merissa Mayhew. The final resource is available both in print and as a downloadable digital guide.
"This project started from a need to provide information in one place, information that community members, healthcare providers, and service organizations can use to support those experiencing gender-based violence," said Hillary Derewianchuk, a research assistant with the Rural, Remote & Northern Gendered-Violence Research Team. "We're proud to see it completed and in the hands of organizations who will use it every day."
"When nearly half of Canadian women have experienced intimate partner violence and millions have faced sexual violence, resources like this become essential," said Tsungai Muvigi, Provincial Coordinator for the Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters. "This guide offers clarity during confusion, connection during isolation, and hope during incredibly difficult moments."
Ashley Stewart, Medical Services Coordinator for the Hummingbird program with Klinic Community Health stated, "At the Hummingbird Program, we see people from every part of Manitoba, including rural and remote areas. Having a resource like this, comprehensive, accessible, and up to date, will make a real difference in helping survivors find the supports they need."
"Awareness is important, but awareness alone is not enough. We need awareness plus action." said Colleen Robbins, MLA for Spruce Woods, "This resource is a crucial step forward, giving survivors clear, accessible information when they need it most, especially in rural and northern communities."
Throughout the launch, speakers acknowledged the resilience of survivors and reaffirmed that safety, dignity, and support must be accessible to every person, regardless of geography or circumstance.
"We recognize that healing does not follow a set timeline," said Dr. Ardelli. "This guide ensures that whenever a survivor is ready, whether right away or years later, there are clear and accessible pathways to support."
The project was funded by the Faculty of Health Studies Research Grant, the Brandon University Research Grant, the Centre for Critical Studies in Rural Mental Health, and the Gender & Women's Studies Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund.
To access the resource, to see the work that went into it, or to see some of the other projects the team is working on, please check out: https://people.brandonu.ca/waddellc/rural-remote-and-northern-gendered-violence-research-program
Watch the launch here: https://youtu.be/196Wad22hJQ
