Bridging the Gaps: Survivor-Centered Solutions for Enhanced Care Pathways

Join us for a deeply moving and powerful panel discussion hosted by She Matters and moderated by MMIWG2S+ survivor advocate Fallon Farinacci. This special episode, recorded during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025, brings together survivors, care providers, and advocates from across Turtle Island to explore the systemic barriers faced by survivors of sexual and domestic violence when accessing care and justice. Panelists share personal experiences, innovative ideas, and bold calls to action to address the gaps in access to forensic evidence collection, trauma-wise care, culturally relevant support, and legal advocacy. The conversation centers survivor voices and offers a powerful look at community-led, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed innovations to create change. Panelists Include: This Woman’s Truth: survivor and victim’s rights advocate in Canada and Italy. Asmaa Ali: award-winning registered nurse, researcher, and health equity advocate. Sarah Hope: trauma-informed care provider with over 20 years of frontline counselling experience. Keara Dean: Sexual assault survivor, counsellor, and grassroots advocate. Patti MacIntomney: Elder, legal trailblazer, and survivor advocate. Nadia George: actor, somatic trauma-informed care provider, and environmental justice advocate. Jayden Ode'imin: Anishinaabe and Southeast Asian designer, advocate, and survivor. Moderator: Fallon Farinacci, Red River Métis survivor advocate and speaker for MMIWG2S+. Topics Covered: - Barriers to accessing care in rural, remote, and northern communities - The retraumatization of survivors within healthcare and legal systems - The importance of culturally relevant, land-based, and peer-led healing practices - Innovations in survivor-led justice, including private prosecutions - Gaps in family court, police response, and mental health supports - National calls to action for advocacy and systemic reform Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, system failures, and trauma. Please listen with care. Available On: All major podcast platforms and at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel Connect with Us: Follow @SheMattersUnited on Instagram and Facebook, or get in touch at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel.