This webinar shares the findings of a Phenomenological research study that sheds light on the experiences and agency of twelve racialized immigrant youths as they navigated family violence in their childhood. By bringing together theoretical frameworks, such as Anti-Colonialism, Critical Race Theory, a rights Based approach to children and Anti-Oppressive practice, with concepts of the Best Interest of the Child and Coercive Control, the findings provide an insight into the impacts of family violence and how these experiences are complicated by systemic violence in case of racialized immigrant children. A unique contribution is the participants’ recommendations that call for transforming practices of sectors that address family violence along with work with communities and individuals.

Dr. Purnima George is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the Toronto Metropolitan University whose research focuses on issues of racialized immigrant communities in Toronto. 

Dr. Ferzana Chaze is a Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at Sheridan College. She has a PhD in Social Work from York University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and the University of Mumbai.

Dr. Bethany Osborne is the Program Coordinator and a Professor of the Bachelor of Social and Community Development and is an innovative educator and researcher with over 25 years of experience building and engaging diverse communities.

Archana Medhekar, B. Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (DR), ACC.FM PMed is a Certified Family Law Specialist, Lawyer and Family Mediator-Arbitrator with over 20 years of international experience in the field of family dispute resolution.