Home remedies: Addressing domestic violence, racism, and sexism in
the context of COVID-19

Due to colonization and patriarchal systems, racism, poverty, domestic violence, devaluation and hypersexualization of Indigenous women have become normalized for Indigenous Peoples. In spite of these inequities, Indigenous Peoples are resilient, strong and continue to thrive. The isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase the rate at which families experience domestic violence, sexism and racism especially since survivors are likely in social isolation with their abusers. This volatile situation has exacerbated the frequency and severity of domestic violence cases (The New York Times, 2020). The Native Women’s Association of Canada’s (NWAC) survey on COVID-19 reveals an extremely troubling trend in increasing incidents of domestic violence being committed against Indigenous women and children. In this webinar, we will discuss findings from NWAC’s survey, how to stay vigilant for signs of domestic violence, and how to be discreet and tactful in your approach to confronting domestic violence as an advocate. Specifically, racism and sexism operate via external power structures which significantly contributes to poor health in certain disadvantaged groups and this will be discussed at length (Bourassa, McKay-McNabb, & Hampton, 2004). Also, poverty and homelessness are major factors in exposing people to threats of violence, crime, incarceration, or exploitation. We will examine the complexities poverty and homelessness pose for these populations within circumstances in a pandemic such as COVID-19, particularly since it has put a considerable strain on homeless shelters and domestic abuse relief homes throughout Canada.

Register here.