Ethno-Culturally Diverse Communities, Newcomers & COVID-19

This workshop is being offered to agencies and service providers in the domestic violence and sexual violence sector. It is not open to the general public.

Presentation Topic:

• Define Domestic Violence (client vs frontline worker perspectives – followed by CDVC definition of DV)
• What leads to domestic violence within immigrant/refugee families (situational violence and coercive control)
• Impact of Covid-19 (increased vulnerability and culturally sensitive customized supports)
• Relaunch/preparing for future (transitioning to new normal/specific adaptations to services/engaging men in education)

Presenters: Lubna Zaeem, Rekha Gadhia & Bela Gupta

Lubna Zaeem holds a Master's degree in Psychological Studies in Education from the University of Alberta and a Post Graduate Certificate in counselling from Athabasca University. A registered psychologist by profession, at present, she is serving as the clinical director at the Islamic Family and Social Services Association (ifssa). Lubna started working in the area of domestic violence in 2009 in the immigrant community. In addition, she has volunteered for the local homework club, facilitates training's for mainstream services agencies, and provides educational workshops and on-one sessions with women and young mothers on how to have healthy relationships at home, raising happy and successful children and working with diverse populations. For her volunteer work, she was presented with the 2013 Alumni Volunteer Service award from Athabasca University, the 2013 Peace Medal award by YMCA, Governor General's Volunteer Award and recently University of Alberta's Alumni Honor Award.

Rekha Gadhia holds a Master of Arts degree from India and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Rekha has been working as the Family Services Department Manager at the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association for over 11 years. She is passionate about her work in the human services sector, particularly in domestic violence prevention and removing settlement barriers for newcomer women. Rekha also has over 18 years of volunteer experience in the non-profit sector. Including Past co-chair of the ethno-culturally diverse communities committee with the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective. Past Coordinator of North America youth activities and current Coordinator of women's activities for a socio-spiritual charity organization. Rekha holds great pride in giving back to the community through supporting immigrant women and their families facing settlement experiences.