Strengthening Practices: Trauma- and Violence-Informed Physical Activity

“Strengthening Practices: Trauma-and Violence-Informed Physical Activity.” (2020-2025; Role: Co-Investigator - PI: Francine Darroch, Carleton University, Co-I’s: Paul Peters (GIS) Health Sciences and Geography, Carleton University).

This SSHRC IG, on which I am a Co-Investigator (2020-2025, PI – Dr. Francine Darroch, Co-I Dr. Paul Peters), uses community-based participatory research (CBPR) to develop a novel approach to address physical inactivity and assess inequities amongst highly marginalized pregnant and/or parenting women who are affected by violence and trauma. Despite the evidence forbenefits of physical activity, inequities exist surrounding physical activity access and uptake.Trauma- and violence-informed physical activity (TViPA) is a strategy which accounts for the understandings of trauma and violence within all phases of program creation and implementation. The application of trauma- and violence-informed practice to physical activity has been identified as a powerful tool to develop appropriate physical activity programming and resources for individuals who experience marginalizing circumstances. Guided by the theory of intersectionality, this CBPR will focus on addressing physical activity inequities within marginalized communities located in Vancouver and Ottawa.