RESOLVing Violence Resolve SK

Trigger Warning: The following episode of discusses sensitive topics including child sexual abuse, trauma, and parental blame. Listener discretion is advised. If you find such topics distressing, please consider whether to proceed listening
In today's episode, we delve deep into the subject of parental blame with Dr. Jordan Cummings and Arianna Gibson, bringing light to the psychological and societal factors contributing to the blame placed on parents, particularly mothers, when children experience trauma, such as child sexual abuse. Dr. Cummings shares insights from years of research, discussing various studies and findings that explore how societal expectations and stereotypes affect judgments of parental responsibility.
The adverse effects of such biases are discussed, noting how the internalized shame and fear of blame might prevent parents from seeking help, thereby impacting the entire family’s ability to cope and recover. The lower expectations placed on fathers is highlighted and how these contribute to different levels of responsibility attributed to each parent. There is a need for a broader understanding of the challenges facing parents, which can often be skewed by societal expectations and professional biases.
The episode wrapped up with actionable advice for service providers, urging them to recognize their biases and maintain reasonable expectations for parents. Dr. Cummings advocated for a family-centric approach in service provision, which accounts for the broader familial context and systemic pressures that affect parenting. This conversation highlights the importance of rethinking societal norms and practices around parental blame, promoting a more compassionate and holistic view of family welfare.



To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Trigger Warning: The following episode discusses themes related to coercive control, including manipulation, psychological abuse, and domestic violence. This content may be distressing and triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage everyone to take care of their mental and emotional well-being while listening to this episode. 
In this episode of "Resolving Violence," host Arianna Gibson and guest Andrea Silverstone delve into the complexities of identifying and assessing coercive control within clinical practices and the implications of recent legislative efforts in this area. Silverstone debates the effectiveness of Canada's push to criminalize coercive control, contrasting it with existing legislation in the UK and the emerging patterns there. She underscores the challenges with current assessment tools, advocating for more nuanced methods that consider the victim's context and narrative to accurately capture instances of coercive control. 
Silverstone also addresses the broader impacts of coercive control legislation in improving the justice system's response to domestic violence cases. She discusses the Canadian legislative progress, where a private member's bill aims to enhance training for justice system personnel and bolster support programs for affected individuals. The UK's experience is reviewed as a preventative measure for escalating violence, reflecting on the initial successes and areas needing improvement. 
To conclude, Cummings highlights Silverstone's extensive work through her organization, Sejes, in disrupting patterns of abuse in Alberta, Canada. Silverstone's rich background in psychology, social work, and coercive control interventions enriches the discussion, providing listeners with a deep dive into the necessity of sophisticated tools and legislative backing to effectively handle and mitigate coercive control. The episode encourages ongoing public discourse and legislative advocacy to better support victims and address violence at its roots.
Learn More About Our Guest: 
Andrea Silverstone is an influential social worker and the CEO of Sejes, an organization committed to eradicating domestic and sexual violence in Alberta. With a Master’s degree focused on psychology and coercive control and ongoing doctoral work on the same subject, Andrea has led significant initiatives to disrupt systemic patterns of abuse since 2001. Her expertise extends into Judaic and Talmudic law, enriching her robust approach to addressing the roots of domestic abuse and developing effective, community-focused interventions.
To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/
To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Trigger Warning: The following episode discusses sensitive topics including abuse and sexual exploitation involving peacekeeping forces. Listener discretion is advised, as the content includes discussions of sexual exploitation and systemic issues that may be upsetting or triggering for some. We encourage our audience to take care of their mental and emotional well-being while listening to this episode.


In this episode of "Resolving Violence," we tackle the complex issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by Canadian officers in UN peacekeeping missions, inspired by the research of Colleen Bell, an associate professor. Bell's studies, initially focused on the influence of Canadian police in Haiti, unexpectedly revealed instances of sexual exploitation and abuse. The episode critically examines Canada's self-image as a law-abiding, altruistic nation, juxtaposed against findings of alleged misconduct by Canadian peacekeepers.


The discussion broadens to consider how factors like local poverty, desperation, and patriarchal standards in host nations might cultivate environments conducive to exploitation, with peacekeepers playing contributing roles. As we challenge the prevailing narrative that distances Canada from such problems and promotes a seemingly superior moral standing, we highlight the importance of addressing violence and exploitation from nuanced perspectives, avoiding simplistic binaries of victim and perpetrator.


Our episode concludes by urging you to engage with these issues and promote a collective pursuit of resolution, ensuring that values of transparency and accountability are not merely aspirational but actively upheld in peacekeeping missions.


Learn More About Our Guest: 


Colleen Bell is an associate professor in the department of political studies. Her research contributes to theorizations of war and security and explores the contested boundary between military and civilian operations in western counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and stabilization missions. She is the author of the freedom of security, governing Canada in in the Age of Counter terrorism, co editor, War, Police, and Assemblages of Intervention, and current editor of the Journal of Critical Studies on Security. Her current research examines the colonial politics of international policing, martial public diplomacy, and feminist foreign policy.


To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Trigger Warning: The following episode discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics related to sexual attraction to minors, stigma, mental health challenges, and suicidality. Listener discretion is advised. If any of these subjects may cause you discomfort or distress, please consider skipping this episode or listening with caution.

In this episode of Resolving Violence, we sit down with Desiree Elchuk, a researcher with a background in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. Desiree's groundbreaking work offers a deep dive into the lives of minor attracted persons (MAPs), examining how stigma-related stressors impact their mental health and social relationships. With a compassionate and scientifically rigorous approach, Desiree outlines the association between relational quality, loneliness, psychological distress, and the courageous acts of disclosure within this highly stigmatized group.

Using a human-centered lens, Desiree shares findings from her online survey research, including surprising data about the levels of support MAPs can encounter within their personal networks. The discussion extends to the significance of language and labels in scaffolding either support or stigma and how these factors play pivotal roles in the well-being of MAPs.

 Tune in for an episode that challenges preconceptions, enlightens with empirical evidence, and advocates a call for empathy and understanding across the spectrum of human experience.

Learn More About Our Guest:
Desiree Elchuck is a current clinical psychology PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her Master's of Science in Forensic Psychology at Saint Mary's University. Her research interests include psychopathology, pedophilia, prevention of sexual offending against children, and general sex research.
To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this stimulating episode of Resolving Violence, we have the pleasure of welcoming Alisia Palermo, a doctoral candidate at the University of Saskatchewan. Diving deep into her groundbreaking master's thesis, Alisia shares her exploration into the intricate world of sexual consent among university students, the prevailing sexual scripts, and the efficacy of university sanctions in dealing with violations of sexual consent.

Alisia's research uncovers the nuanced attitudes and behaviors of students towards sexual violence, shining a light on the unsettling persistence of traditional gender roles in sexual encounters. With a focus on the perspectives of both perpetrators and survivors, her findings reveal the complex interplay of factors behind sexual violence, including the surprising discovery of the ineffectiveness of certain institutional responses.

Alisia's call for a positive sexuality model presents a profound shift in our approach to addressing sexual consent and violence. Her insights are vital for service providers and the general public, highlighting the urgency of fostering open communication and the implementation of more reflective, inclusive, and empowering strategies in sexual education.

Tune in as we gain invaluable understanding from Alisia's expertise, and consider how we can actively partake in reshaping societal norms and improving our collective approach to sexual consent and violence. Join the conversation and be part of the change with Resolving Violence.

Learn More About Our Guest:
Alisia Palermo is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Saskatchewan, under the supervision of Dr. Jorden Cummings. She is currently completing her final practicum placement at Humber River Health in Toronto, Ontario. Her dissertation research focuses on the experiences of sexual victimization by clinical supervisors among professional psychology graduate students during placements. Alisia earned her Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at Ontario Tech University under the supervision of Dr. Lee Harkins. During her studies, she examined university students' understanding of sexual consent and evaluated the effectiveness of university sanctions in response to campus sexual violence. Beyond academic research, Alisia is dedicated to advocacy and support for survivors of sexual violence. She volunteers on the crisis line at the Durham Rape Crisis Centre in Eshalla, Ontario.
To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this episode of Resolving Violence, we delve into the harrowing realities faced by Indigenous women and girls confronting violence. Our featured guest, Kandice Parker, PhD, presents cutting-edge research from the Canadian Prairies, exposing the myths surrounding Indigenous violence and highlighting the disproportionate victimization rates.

Join us as we navigate through the stark disparities, with 43% of victims identified as Indigenous women and girls, often targeted by non-Indigenous perpetrators. Kandice's dedication to amplifying their voices echoes our collective call for legislative reform, spotlighting the recent setback in protective measures—a poignant reminder of systemic biases entrenched within our justice systems.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into the emotional complexities researchers encounter while documenting intersectional violence. We also explore the crucial role of self-care strategies and allyship in sustaining efforts within this emotionally intense field. And examine the influence of media in perpetuating harmful stereotypes, discussing Kandice's research on the sensationalization of LGBTQ+ experiences, which reinforces damaging narratives.

 As advocates for marginalized voices, we urge listeners to harness awareness as a catalyst for meaningful change. Join us as we delve into this vital discussion and work collectively to unveil truths, challenge prevailing perceptions, and resolve violence!

Learn More About Our Guest:
Kandice Parker is a recent PhD graduate from the Culture, Health, and Human Development program at the University of Saskatchewan, where she also earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Applied Social Psychology. Her expertise is further enriched by her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria.

Kandice has lived and worked abroad in countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and India, which significantly expanded her awareness of the pervasive inequalities faced by women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. She is deeply passionate about exploring and developing methodologies to better understand prejudice, discrimination, sexuality, and gender.
To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/