IMvisible Gender-Based Violence

Domestic and/or Intimate Partner Violence (DIPV) does not discriminate. Abuse, mistreatment, or neglect by a domestic/intimate partner can occur in any relationship, with people of any orientation, culture, or socioeconomic background. And there are many systemic barriers that prevent those affected from accessing support.

Non-status, Refugee and Immigrant (NSRI) women are likewise impacted by DIPV and various forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV). But in addition to the typical obstacles, NSRI women face additional challenges. Language barriers, cultural traditions, gender expectations, and a lack of social networks are just a few of the obstacles conspiring to keep this vulnerable population insulated and invisible.

To address these unique challenges, NBMC launched IMvisible NB (2021-2024) designed to empower NSRI women experiencing DIPV/GBV. The first of its kind in our province, the IMvisible initiative began in 2015 with a project titled “Overcoming Barriers: a coordinated response to Violence against immigrant women in New Brunswick”. Piloted by Ginette Gautreau.

The project’s goals (2021-2024):

The project used an intercultural lens to collect stories of NSRI women experiencing DIPV. Armed with such powerful narratives, NBMC was able to rally diverse stakeholders, community organizations, and government departments to participate in conversations focused on giving visibility to an issue that remains largely in the shadows. IMvisible NB is the result of those conversations, and its mission is to increase New Brunswick’s capacity to support Non-Status, Refugee and Immigrant women impacted by domestic/intimate partner violence. IMvisible intends to be a collective and coordinated effort focused on multiple initiatives.

Conducting needs assessment to address intersectional barriers to equality for diverse women.

Delivering information and orientation sessions to NSRI Women in the Greater Moncton Area and Saint John.

Collaborating across sectors to advance gender parity.

Developing in-depth staff training on culturally integrated approach to the DIPV prevention sector.

Developing appropriate resources and outreach strategies for improved contact and communications with immigrant women.

The project’s goals (2024-2027) include:

IMvisible GBV (formerly IMvisible NB) was extended for an additional 3 years to broaden its GBV prevention work beyond urban settings and strengthen support for rural and Francophone communities through education, culturally intergrative training, multilingual resources, community partnerships, and long-term knowledge sharing. The project’s goals (2024–2027) include:

Conducting information and orientation sessions on gender-based violence (GBV) for NSRI women in rural and Francophone communities.

Developing and facilitating healthy relationship sessions for NSRI families.

Expanding GBV research and providing culturally integrative training to Police NB, Horizon, Vitalité, Social Development, the DIPV sector, and Settlement sector.

Developing multilingual resources for NSRI women and families.

Enhancing collaboration with partner organizations and community networks to support coordinated GBV prevention and response across regions.

Strengthening sustainability through knowledge transfer by equipping partners and stakeholders with the skills, tools, and approaches developed through the project.

Supporting long-term impact by deepening partnerships and integrating GBV prevention practices into existing community and organizational efforts.

We will do this with compassion, care, and commitment. We will embrace vulnerability, champion resilience, and promote the rights of all women, regardless of age, race, ability, ethnicity, or language.

This project is built upon the belief that NSRI women survivors and/or victims of DIPV deserve to be in charge of their own narrative, at their own time, and in their own way. With that in mind, our team is always ready to listen.

To all NSRI women across NB, we are here for you.