Core Courses
These courses are self-paced, meaning you can start and finish the course at your own pace, and re-visit at any time. Each course has a quiz and you will be awarded a badge upon completion of the course. Courses with an * are also available in French.
Foundations of VAW Practice (Intersectional Feminism, VAW Practice Ethics, Self Reflective Practice, Portfolio Building, Survivor Inclusion and Record Keeping).*
Foundations of VAW Practice
About this course
This self-paced course is designed specifically for newer workers in violence against women organizations. To be successful as a Violence Against Women Advocate, having a foundational framework to guide you is critical in ensuring that you become an effective advocate for women and their children.
You will learn
- Foundational VAW Frameworks
- How to develop your portfolio
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Record-Keeping Practices
- Self-Reflective Practice
- Survivor Inclusion Model(s)
After completion you will be able to
- Apply intersectional feminist principles and concepts to working with women who have experienced violence.
- Practice professional portfolio development for ongoing learning.
- Actively participate in self-reflective practice
- Centre survivor inclusion in your work
- Make effective ethical decisions
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca
Intermediate Foundations of VAW Practice (Primary Prevention, Sexual Violence, Meaningful Work with Indigenous Women, Trans Inclusion, Rights Based Approaches for All Sex Workers)*
Intermediate Foundations of GBV Practice
About this course
In this self-paced course you will gain substantial learning on a range of issues to enhance your skills and abilities. This course is guided by a trauma-informed framework and developed for those who want to deepen their knowledge and skills. In order to understand the concepts presented in this course, we highly recommend that you first complete Foundation of VAW prior to starting this intermediate level course. This course has been developed in collaboration with various content experts.
You will learn
- Intersectional and trauma-informed frameworks
- Meaningful inclusion, rights-based and primary prevention models and approaches
- Challenging dominant approaches to ensure inclusion for all women and trans people
- Expanding your understanding and making your approaches relevant for all types of gender-based violence.
After completion you will be able to
- Foster, strengthen and apply relationship-building skills
- Understand the intersections between social location and violence and strengthen your approach to meet the needs of those your supporting.
- Deepen your advocacy skills for those who don’t fit or are not adequately served by our
existing systems.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
Risk Assessment & Safety Planning
About this course
In this self-paced course, learners will gain the knowledge and tools needed to provide support for women
in identifying and analyzing different kinds of risks and developing safety plans to address those risks.
Additionally, this course aims to provide an understanding of approaches used by agencies, institutions and professionals outside of the feminist anti-violence movement and to learn how to provide support to women who are engaged in risk assessment processes with them. Through a partnership between OAITH and The Redwood Shelter, this course will provide access to The Redwoods Safety Assessment and Risk Management Tool.
You will learn
- The difference between risk management, risk assessment and safety plans
- The principles of an intersectional feminist approach to Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
- What Risk Assessment are currently being used
- Understand the role of VAW workers in the risk assessment and safety planning processes, including where and how to provide advocacy support
After completion you will be able to
- Identify safety and risk related issues that can be life saving
- Identify the range of tools that can be used when a risk assessment or safety plan is needed
- Develop a safety plan with a woman that’s informed by both her experience and tools to assist in identifying varying levels of risk
- Create plans that manage risk throughout the duration of her experience
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca
Gender-Based Violence, Technology and Safety*
Gender-Based Violence, Technology and Safety
About this course
In this self-paced course, learners will gain a greater understanding of the intersections of gender-based violence and technology. The overall focus of the course is increasing capacity to promote safety of survivors of technology-facilitated violence. Technology will be explored both as a tool of and platform for gender-based violence, but also as a resource to understand risk and increase safety.
You will learn about
- Types of technology-facilitated abuse, and mitigating actions
- Considerations when utilizing technology to provide support, service and safety to survivors
- Strategies for increasing worker and survivor online safety
After completion you will be better able to
- Assist survivors of gender-based violence to respond to concerns about threats from technology-facilitated violence
- Implement concrete strategies to mitigate risks related to use of technology
- Engage colleagues and survivors in ongoing discussion about trauma-informed use- of technology
How Do I Register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca
The Neurobiology of Gender-Based Violence Across The Lifespan*
The Neurobiology of Gender-Based Violence Across The Lifespan
About this course
In this self-paced course you will learn about the neurobiology of trauma, trauma work, and the application of trauma informed approaches in working with survivors of gender-based violence across the lifespan. This course was created to supplement the information provided with the online application (also available as a PDF) “Her Brain Chose For Her”, an interactive tool which provides a foundation for the information included in this course (and is required reading in preparation for this course). This course is intended for anyone working with women who have experienced violence and has a focus on Ontario-based content and resources.
You will learn
- The age-specific considerations of intersectional trauma-informed support for GenderBased Violence (GBV) survivors
- Applying age-specific considerations to direct service across sectors
- Trauma-informed strategies to promote wellness for service providers working with GBV survivors
After completion you will be able to
- Incorporate the elements of trauma-informed approaches into your work with women across the lifespan who have experienced various forms of abuse/violence
- Understand how the brain processes and recalls traumatic events and how to best provide support, and assess the support needs of older women who have experienced GBV
- Develop a plan focused on mitigating impacts of trauma work within your life, workplace, and community
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Safety Starts Here: Understanding Risk, Centering Survivors and Creating Safety Together*
In this self-paced course you will learn about gender-based violence (GBV) services, trauma-informed approaches, safety planning, risk assessment and management practices aimed to support survivors and create safety. This will include an overview of system and service pathways, promising practices related to information sharing and working with aggressors. This course is suited towards those in services, community groups, employers, family and friends who are working with and/or providing support to survivors of gender-based violence. This course will assist in learning about and prioritizing survivors safety because safety starts here. This course focuses on Ontario-based content and resources.
After completion you will be able to:
- Identify and understand possible GBV risk among survivors, including lethal risk factors
- Support survivors navigating multiple complex systems and services
- Better understand existing information sharing legislation and processes
- Increase your knowledge about how to work towards increased safety for survivors
You will learn:
- How to better identify forms of gender-based violence, risk and overall safety
- What to consider when supporting survivors
- What services exist to support survivors of gender-based violence
- Why collaborative risk management is used
- How risk management tools work to engage primary aggressors
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Reducing Barriers to Service
Improving Access to Gender-Based Violence Services: Communicating with Survivors With Disabilities or who are Deaf*
Improving Access to Gender-Based Violence Services: Communicating with Survivors With Disabilities or who are Deaf
About this course
In this self-paced module, you will learn what you and your organization can do provide services that are accessible and barrier-free. Utilizing. You will learn more specifically about your requirements under the Accessible Ontarian’s Disabilities Act and how to put this into practice. Through the use of fact sheets, scenarios and videos, you will be better equipped at including all women in your services. This course was developed in collaboration with Springtide Resources..
You will learn
- The purpose of the AODA
- Understand how the Customer Service Standard applies to your GBV service agency and what this means for the work you do (as a volunteer or staff member)
- Understand various types of disabilities and common barriers encountered with people with those disabilities
After completion you will be able to
- Identify the different types of disabilities
- Interact and communicate effectively with people with various types of disabilities
- Interact effectively with a person using an assistive device, service animal, or support person
- Apply techniques to know how to assist people with various disabilities
- Apply problem solving to know what to do if a person is having difficulty accessing services at your agency
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Harm Reduction in VAW Organizations
Harm Reduction in VAW Organizations
About this course
This self-paced course provides those working with women who use substances with an understanding of Harm Reduction and how to apply it in practice. Reducing barriers for women by including harm reduction into VAW organizations and VAW programs, will increase their access to the support needed. This course includes scenarios, readings and videos to support your learning and knowledge development about harm reduction practice.
You will learn
- Principles of Harm Reduction
- Practical information and strategies related to different substances and how they are used
- Women-specific harm reduction strategies
- Issues for counsellors and advocates
After completion you will be able to
- Apply and put into practice the VAW Shelter Standard that requires all women, including those who use substances have access to VAW Shelter in Ontario.
- Be able to identify signs overdose and how to respond and ultimately help to save lives
- Build issues relating to risk, health and safety about substances and sexuality into your counselling and advocacy work.
- Integrate substance use, trauma and violence as part of your practice
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Understanding & Applying Harm Reduction Approaches Within Gender-Based Violence Work*
Understanding & Applying Harm Reduction Approaches Within Gender-Based Violence Work
About this course
This self-paced course provides learners with an understanding and application of evidence based harm reduction approaches, legal and illicit substance use, and implementation practices informed by ongoing research conducted by the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses and Lakehead University. Building on the knowledge of Harm Reduction in VAW Organizations, learners will gain a greater awareness of the current continuum of harm reduction practices in use at gender-based violence agencies across Ontario, and concrete tools and resources to assist in direct support within a trauma-informed harm reduction framework.
In this training, you will learn about
- The context and current practice of harm reduction approaches in Ontario gender-based violence agencies, with an overall focus on shelter programs
- The specific substances, potential risk, and ways to mitigate this risk
- Resources and strategies to work with survivors of gender-based violence who use substances
- The reality of deaths and near-deaths in Ontario shelters, and how to prepare for and respond to these traumatic events
After completion you will have a greater understanding of
- Intersections between experiences of trauma and substance use
- Substance use, risk reduction, and available resources to mitigate harm that can be associated with substance use
- How implementing harm reduction approaches can reduce vulnerability to violence and enhance safety while using substances
- Why and how to prepare for, and respond to near deaths and deaths in a shelter setting that is associated with substance use
Prerequisite:
Harm Reduction in VAW Organizations
Course is available to those working in an Ontario VAW shelter.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca. Registration is only available to learners who have completed the Harm Reduction in VAW Organizations course. At this time, registration is only available to those working in an Ontario VAW shelter.
Moving Towards Trans Inclusive Shelter and Housing*
Towards Trans Inclusive Shelter: Understanding and Eliminating Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Expression in Ontario’s Interval & Transitional Housing System
About this course
In this self-paced module, we explore how VAW shelter system can respond, better understand and meet the needs of 2 Spirited, gender-diverse and trans communities. Through a human rights framework, our legal responsibility in service provision is identified. Self-reflection tools, videos and visuals are used in this course to enhance your learning and knowledge development. This course was developed in collaboration with Egale Human Rights Trust.
You will learn
- The legal obligations of transitional housing organizations to protect all people from discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression
- What gender identity and expression are as a key component of human experience and as universal elements of human diversity
- The significant barriers that trans and gender diverse people face in accessing safety and basic human rights in society generally, and in the shelter system specifically
- Practical guidelines towards creating housing facilities and services that are trans inclusive
After completion you will be able to
- Understand and adhere to Ontario human rights legislation in both the right to accessing services and the rights afforded to trans identified people in the workplace.
- Clearly identify the difference between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation
- Expand your analysis and understanding of gender-based discrimination and trans misogyny
- Inform and educate others on the barriers and risks related to violence that 2 Spirited, trans, gender diverse people experience in their daily lives.
- Make informed decisions on service delivery that is inclusive and rights-based
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Working with Aboriginal Women from an Indigenous Lens
Addressing Violence Against Aboriginal Women in Ontario Using An Indigenous Perspective
About this course
VAW service agencies and organizations can provide Indigenous women with the support they need to leave violent situations. To provide more inclusive service, it is important to identify and address barriers that are unique to Indigenous Women. The course includes scenarios, quizzes, images and videos to support your learning and knowledge development. Content expertise for this course was provided by Gloria Harris, Independent Consultant.
You will learn
- The history of the development of Canada and the intergenerational impacts on Indigenous women
- The development and impact of legislation on Indigenous women’s lives
- Providing support to Indigenous women using an Indigenous perspective
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
After completion you will be able to
- Understand the effects of colonization and systems of oppression on Indigenous women’s lives
- Acknowledge the importance of Truth and Reconciliation
- Acknowledge the need for Indigenous women to have access to supports and services using an Indigenous perspective
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub to set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Taking Action in Our Spheres of Influence: Intersectional Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Gender Based Violence*
Taking Action in Our Spheres of Influence: Intersectional Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Gender Based Violence
About this course
This course was created to supplement Taking Action in Our Spheres of Influence: An Intersectional Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Gender Based Violence Framework. It is recommended that prior to taking this course, you read and review the Framework document. This course is intended for anyone working with survivors of gender-based violence and has a focus on Ontario-based content and resources.
This course was developed in collaboration with Nicole Bernhardt and Annelies Cooper of NSB Consulting.
You will learn about
- Building an anti-racism and anti-oppression approach within your spheres of influence;
- Recognizing your own positionality and developing personal accountability strategies;
- Creating racially equitable environments and discussing racial microaggressions;
- Establishing institutional policies and practices that promote anti-racism and anti-oppression, such as collecting demographic data and shifting organizational culture; and
- Connecting with anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts within your community.
After completion you will be better able to
- Articulate a common language and social justice-based analysis for examining intersectional manifestations of oppression and racism as they relate to gender-based violence.
- Identify strategies to develop anti-oppressive and anti-racist praxis within your spheres of influence
(individual, interpersonal, institutional and community). - Critically assess areas of strength and opportunities for growth with respect to anti-oppressive organizational praxis.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Supporting Survivors
Sexual Violence, The Law and Legal Options*
Sexual Violence, The Law and Legal Options
About this course
In this self-paced module Sexual Violence in a legal framework is explored. Sexual violence in Canadian law has different definitions, that provide different legal options for survivors to consider. Understanding how and where sexual violence fits in a legal framework will equip you to have a more in-depth understanding of the issues. This course was developed in collaboration with Metrac: Action on Violence.
You will learn
- The different legal definitions of different forms of sexual violence
- Understand the criminal court process and other legal processes
- Information about protection orders
After completion you will be able to
- Increase your understanding about how sexual violence is defined and addressed in Canadian law
- Gain knowledge about the criminal court process and other legal processes that may support survivors of sexual violence
- Learn about the pros and cons of legal options to assist survivors of sexual violence
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence*
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
About this course
In this self-paced course you will learn about the intersection of sexual violence in intimate partner relationships. Sexual violence is one of many forms of violence that can occur in intimate partner relationships, yet our systems, training and ways of understanding these issues are easily separated. Knowing how sexual and intimate partner violence (or domestic violence) intersect is paramount in broadening and understanding how we address all forms of genderbased violence. This course was developed in collaboration with the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres and the Violence Against Women Learning Network.
You will learn
- How sexual violence and domestic violence intersect
- How to respond to disclosures of intimate partner sexual violence while working with diverse women
- How to conduct intake and safety planning for intimate partner sexual violence.
After completion you will be able to
- Identify different forms of sexual violence in abusive relationships
- Have an awareness of ways in which sexual violence -- and support options for survivors – can impact different populations of women in different ways
- Talk to survivors of violence about different forms of sexual violence that may be occurring in their relationships
- Offer support, referrals and information to those experiencing sexual violence in their relationships
- Be able to provide safety planning for those experiencing sexual violence in their relationships.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca
Responding to Survivors of Sexual Violence from Immigrant and Refugee Communities*
Working with Immigrant and Refugee Women and Sexual Violence
About this course
In this self-paced course you will learn about how immigrant and refugee women have distinct experiences of sexual violence, and the barriers they may face in accessing resources or supports. This course was developed in collaboration with Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
You will learn
- How immigrant and refugee women’s experiences of sexual violence as well as of accessing support is impacted by their immigration status
- How to apply an understanding of intersectionality to working with immigrant and refugee women
- How individual, institutional and systemic barriers impact immigrant and refugee women
After completion you will be able to
- Understand and appreciate the diversity of immigrant and refugee experiences
- Unpack myths regarding immigrant and refugee women’s experiences of sexual violence and harassment
- Develop an understanding of barriers that immigrant and refugee women face
- Gain strategies and tools for your own work
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
This module was created in collaboration with the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).
Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Older Women*
Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Older Women
About this course
In this self-paced module the specific needs, and survivor-centred responses required to better support older women who have experienced violence will be explored. Understanding legislation, barriers, risk assessment and communication have different implications when working with older women. As Ontario’s population ages, our VAW programs and services need to move towards age-friendly models. Various tools, resources and scenarios will be used to support your learning and knowledge development. This course was developed in collaboration with Elder Abuse Ontario.
You will learn
- Types of Abuse Older Women Experience
- Barriers for Older Women When Accessing Services
- Understanding Legislation Impacting Older Women
- About Risk Assessment Tools
- Communication Strategies for working with Older Women
After completion you will be able to
- Know the physical and emotional signs associated with abuse in older women.
- How to build a therapeutic relationship with older women.
- How to choose the most appropriate risk assessment tools.
- Increased ability to effectively communicate with older women.
- Knowledge of the barriers to disclosure of abuse in older women and how to circumvent this.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Risk Assessment and Safety Planning with Older Women*
Risk Management and Working with Older Women Experiencing Abuse
About this course
In this self-paced course you will learn about effective risk management with older women in Ontario who have experienced violence/abuse. This course is guided by a trauma-informed framework and developed for those who want to increase their capacity to work with older women who have experienced violence to manage risk of physical harm and lethality from an (ex) intimate partner and/or family member. This course was developed in collaboration with Atira Women’s Resource Society.
You will learn
- How gender-based violence and being older intersect
- How to address the barriers older women face, in escaping abuse and accessing services
- How to respond with older women experiencing violence by assessing and managing risk of harm
After completion you will be able to
- Identify and understand issues unique and distinct for women over 55
- Respond effectively using Risk Management, Risk Assessment, Safety Planning and Monitoring tools
- Incorporate promising practices in communicating risk to older women
- Apply an intersectoral collaborative approach to risk management
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Risk Assessment & Safety Planning with Infants, Children and Youth*
Risk Assessment & Safety Planning with Infants, Children and Youth
About this course
This self-paced course explores the various elements involved in including risk assessment and safety planning when working with infants, children and youth. Content expertise is provided by Dr. Angelique Jenny and was made possible through a collaboration between OAITH, Habitat Interlude and Pavilion Women’s Centre. The course includes scenarios, quizzes and required readings to support your learning and knowledge development to better support and include infants, children and youth in risk assessment and safety planning practice.
You will learn
- What we currently know about Risk Assessment and Safety Planning with Infants, Children and Youth and why it is important.
- To Identify Risk and Protective Factors for Children Exposed to Gender-Based Violence in their homes.
- To understand how child development impacts on the process of safety planning and how best to involve them.
After completion you will be able to
- Identify risk and protective factors when creating safety plans with children and their families.
- Take child development factors into account when assessing for risk and planning for safety.
- Consider the application of risk assessment and safety planning principles using a Case Study example.
How do I register?
To gain access to this course, please register with the Training Hub. Set up your free account by visiting training.oaith.ca.
Developed in Partnership With:
