Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC) - Request for Proposal

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Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC)

Request for Proposal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 

Consultant for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Community Response Protocol  Development 

Issued By: The Violence Prevention Coordinating Council of Durham (VPCC)

Submission Deadline: May 16th, 2025 

Contact: info@vpccdurham.org 

 Vanessa Falcon- vanessa@herizonhouse.com 

1. Introduction 

The Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC) is seeking proposals from qualified  consultants or consulting firms to facilitate the process of developing a Gender-Based  Violence (GBV) Community Response Protocol for Durham Region. This protocol will ensure  a coordinated, effective and survivor-centred approach to preventing and responding to  gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms. 

2. Background 

Since 1999, Domestic Violence Death Review Committees (DVDRC) and more recently the  Renfrew (2022) and Ryan (2023) inquests, have emphasized the need for strong community  collaboration to prevent GBV/IPV. 

The VPCC, a network of 35+ agencies, developed its last GBV Community Response Protocol  in 2006. Since that time, significant changes have occurred globally, provincially and  regionally impacting communities, service providers, law/justice systems, technology, health  care, and housing. These changing landscapes have increased the need for a new protocol to  enhance service coordination, ensure survivor safety, and integrate new and action-oriented  prevention and intervention strategies. 

The protocol will be a digital, living document housed on the VPCC website, accessible to all  stakeholders including: community service providers, elected officials, health professionals,  law enforcement, and justice partners.

3. Project Scope & Deliverables 

 The consultant will: 

A. Conduct research and community consultations with VPCC member agencies,  survivors, law enforcement, health professionals, and justice representatives to  identify best practices, gaps and needs. 

B. Develop a comprehensive GBV Community Response Protocol that includes:

• A structured plan outlining roles, responsibilities, and response processes 
• Clear communication and information-sharing procedures among providers
• Survivor-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches 
• Guidelines for early intervention, prevention, and risk assessment 
• Strategies for supporting marginalized groups (Indigenous, LGBTQ+,  newcomers, women with disabilities, etc.) 
• A referral framework ensuring seamless access to services 
• Recommendations for ongoing monitoring, training, and evaluation 
• Alignment with VPCC Priority Areas: 1) Education and Awareness, 2) Early  Intervention and Prevention, and 3) Community Planning and Service Integration 

C. Create training materials to support implementation of the protocol across multiple  sectors. 

D. Present findings and recommendations to VPCC leadership and community  stakeholders. 

E. Deliver the final protocol in digital format for VPCC’s website, ensuring it is easy to  update and accessible to all stakeholders.

4. Qualifications & Experience Required 

• Subject matter expert in gender-based violence prevention, response, and policy  development 
• Experience in community engagement, stakeholder consultation, and inter-agency  collaboration 
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, survivor-centred approaches 
• Works from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist framework that is inclusive and reflects  the practices of Indigenous organizations 
• Demonstrated ability to develop protocols, guidelines, and training materials 
• Experience working with government agencies, law enforcement, and social services 

5. Proposal Requirements 

 Those interested should submit a proposal which includes the following: 

• Cover Letter outlining interest and relevant experience 
• Proposed Approach and Methodology for developing the protocol 
• Project Timeline & Work Plan including key milestones 
• Budget and Fee Structure (including consultation costs, research and deliverables) 
• Relevant Experience & References from similar projects 

6. Proposal Submission & Timeline 

• Submission Deadline: May 16th 2025 
• Submit Proposals to: Vanessa Falcon, vanessa@herizonhouse.com 
• Project Start Date: June 16th, 2025 
• Project Completion Date: March 31, 2026

7. Additional Information 

For questions or clarifications, please contact: info@vpccdurham.org or vanessa@herizonhouse.com