ISEE INITIATIVE

Happy International Wom*n's Day to all wom*n identifying individuals. Wom*n and allies, this year and every other year, choose to challenge misogyny, patriarchy, gender inequality and inequity, and colonial and state structures that continue to decide what wom*n can and cannot do with their bodies and reproductive systems. The burden of fighting this uphill battle should not be left on the shoulders of wom*n. It is a collective fight. Let's continue to collectively amplify BIPOC voices and center their narratives. Let's make spaces BIPOC wom*n navigate safer. Let's celebrate the wom*n in our lives, past, present, and future!

February 4th is marked as Independence day for Sri Lanka. Many Tamils do not identify this day as independence, as Tamils continue to be oppressed and marginalized on the island, in their homeland. Families are still searching for their loved ones. Mental health challenges, addictions, and intergenerational trauma persists as the community continues to experience an unresolved collective trauma.The government continues to deny acts of genocide and lacks accountability. ISEE I...NITIATIVE is in solidarity with Tamil communities in the homeland, families of the disappeared, and the protestors walking from Pottuvil to Polikandi. There are many incredible sources to learn about the ongoing issues in Sri Lanka and the genocide against the Tamil communities. Here are a few places to start: - @eelamstudies - @varathas - @tamilguardian - @pearl_action #genocidesrilanka #notmyindependence #tamilgenocideisfact

ISEE INITIATIVE is excited to announce that we will be facilitating our next workshop on healthy relationships. Join us on February 17th at 7pm to explore and navigate various relationships from a Tamil lens. Link in bio... #domesticviolenceawareness #familyviolenceprevention #healthyrelationships #tamil

Our first workshop of 2021. Join us on January 20, 2021 via Zoom. Register today on Eventbrite Link in bio #domesticviolenceawareness #iseeinitiative #iseei

Thai pongal is a 4-day celebration commencing from January 14th to January 17th. Pongal Thirunaal is celebrated to thank the Sun, the cows, mother Earth, and the farmers for providing us with food, love, and care. May this year bring you and your family with an abundance of opportunities, strength, peace, safety, and healing.

Some of the challenges Tamil women face in leaving abusive relationships #iseeinitiative #iseei #domesticviolenceawareness

TW/CW: When we think about domestic violence, we usually think of physical violence and assault inflicted on an individual resulting in visible injuries. But that is just one type of abuse/violence. There are several other categories of abusive behaviors, each with its own devastating consequences. Almost all types of abuse have immense impacts on the mental health of survivors and/or witnesses. The lethality of physical abuse may pose a higher risk for the survivor. However..., the loss of agency, control, and identity, created by other forms of abuse, cause a long term erasure of personhood, which is significant and cannot be minimized. Identifying and understanding the different types of violence can help survivors and their loved ones identify abusive relationships. ISEE INITIATIVE stands with survivors. If you or someone you know have experienced domestic violence, please call or text ISEEI at 647-725-7762 or email at [email protected]

Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their status. However, newcomers, refugees, marginalized and racialized individuals with a lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk. This creates barriers to leaving an abusive relationship, in addition to other cultural and social factors. * The ordinary response to atrocities is to banish them from consciousness. Certain violations of the social compact are too terrible to utter aloud: this is the meaning of the word unspeakable. " - Judith L. Herman.

In loving memory of Tharshika Jeganathan 11.09.2019 Today marks one year of Tharshikas passing. We remember her beautiful smile, courage and determination as we continue to work towards eradicating domestic violence.

TW/CW: ISEE INITIATIVE stands with survivors. If you or someone you know have experienced sexual violence, please call or text ISEEI at 647-725-7762 or email at [email protected]

ISEE INITIATIVE stands in solidarity with black communities. As we continue to use our platform to address issues of domestic violence, we commit to centering our workshops, events and future services and programs from an anti-black, anti-racist, anti-oppression and strength-based framework. #BlackLivesMatter #RacismMustStop

#blackouttuesday #blacklivesmatter

#iseeinitiative #iseei

Many survivors who are thinking about leaving also think about barriers, challenges and consequences of leaving. It is not always as easy as telling someone to "just leave." On average, it takes a survivor more than 7 times before they leave an abusive home. #iseeinitiative

Newcomers face many migration-related stresses. When there is a change of role, identity and status, many individuals face a higher risk of abuse. Essential needs and services are withheld from survivors by abusers to further their isolation efforts and assert control. #iseei

*Trigger Warning* These statistics are from 2014. However, due to COVID-19, there has been a recent spike in domestic violence. While it is okay to not feel ready to leave, remember to always keep an open line of communication with your loved ones & don't hesitate to call 911.

#Repost @childcoalition **************************************** #TOMORROW! #YICD2020 Youth in Care Day was created to raise awareness, reduce stigma and recognize children and youth in and from care.... This event streamed via www.facebook.com/childcoalition is an opportunity to learn from First Voice Advocates with lived expertise in child welfare. Now more than ever, we need stakeholders and allies to show up for us, some of Ontario's most vulnerable young people. Children and Youth in Care Day was a recommendation coming out of My REAL Lifebook, a report released in 2011 by the Ontario Child Advocate in partnership with young people with lived experience. The Ontario Child Advocate's office was officially closed the following April in 2019. This year, in response to COVID-19, we held two Virtual Town Halls. One for youth in (dis)abilities communities and one for young people from child welfare with 107 attendees inclusively (over a dozen organizations across Ontario were represented by lived experts as well. Federal and Provincial representatives as well). We must keep listening to First Voices in order to respond to their needs. For this reason, we hope that you will join us for our Annual Children and Youth in Care Day event! Please share w networks and let's show up for young people on the day that marks their resiliency & voices.

Happy Mothers day to those who are moms, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, to those who are waiting, to those who have lost, and to those who have had to be moms from a young age. We see you and we celebrate you!

Testimonial . . This post has been shared with the permission of one of our survivors. Thank you for your testimonial. To donate, please visit: gf.me/u/xxy5wv #iseeinitiative #iseei #covid19

We understand these are difficult times for everyone, and that the economic uncertainty is daunting for most of us. Every donation counts. We thank you in advance for your support during this critical time. #covid19 #staysafe #iseeinitiative #iseei #domesticviolence #domesticabuse

In response to the requests by the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments, quarantining has become the norm, with many of us staying home to keep safe and to reduce the spread of the pandemic. Unfortunately, abuse is reported as a direct outcome of quarantining during this time. #covid19 #staysafe #iseeinitiative #iseei #domesticviolence #domesticabuse

ISEEI is raising funds to support survivors of domestic violence within the Tamil Community who are in dire need of basic necessities. ISEEI urges social services, community agencies and community members within the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area to refer individuals and families who are survivors of domestic violence, or currently experiencing abuse within their homes to ISEEI in order for these individuals and families to receive financial assistance from this campaign. ... In an effort to ensure that only individuals in need are provided with the support, ISEEI will be prioritizing referrals from social service and community agencies. Once funds are available, support will be provided on a needs-basis. #covid19 #staysafe #iseeinitiative #iseei #domesticviolence #domesticabuse

ISEE INITIATIVE (ISEEI) understands that there is an urgency within our communities to support survivors of domestic violence, by ensuring that they are able to leave their homes safely, if necessary, and have adequate resources to support their immediate needs during this pandemic. As a result of COVID-19, there is an overwhelming burden on shelters, food banks and other community initiatives that typically provide survivors of domestic violence with resources for immediate ...needs after their escape from abusive homes. Availability and accessibility to In-person support and services are also limited. There has been a specific call-out for help within the Tamil community as individuals find it increasingly difficult to report and/or escape abusive situations at home due to lack of awareness, language barriers, financial instability or dependency, mistrust in government services, stigma of using shelter services, and concerns of the impact on children. #covid19 #staysafe #iseeinitiative #iseei #domesticviolence #domesticabuse See more

The Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action (TCCCA @tamilcivicaction) and the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre (@CanTYD) present: *#TimeOut: A conversation on Toxic Masculinity, Sports and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).* TimeOut is an opportunity for CanTYD Youth to gather and discuss the ways in which they see toxic masculinity permeate sports culture in the mainstream and in their local communities. We will also be learning about the foundational aspects of GBV, in a n...on-sport context. The conversation will then seek to provide opportunity to discuss a solution that recognizes histories of trauma, the importance of consent culture and how we can create safer spaces in sports and physical fitness. __ The event has also gained the support of the leadership in the Tamil Sports Community. Supporting the event will be Women's Tamil Sports League (@WOTSLtoronto), Tamil Women's Flag Football (@TWFFtoronto), Tamil Football League (@TFLtoronto) as well as Dear Tamil Men (@DearTamilMen). Through creating a space where CanTYD youth can be present with leadership from the athletic community, we hope to engage in an honest conversation about learning and unlearning; in order to chart a path forward, that is survivor-centric. __ The event is a joint partnership between Tamil Civic Action via its Gender Equity Committee and the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre (CanTYD). It is supported by OCASI with funding support from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. This event is strictly for CanTYD Youth and identified community partners. __ If you are interested in supporting please contact us at @tamilcivicaction for more information and mention GBV Sports event.

DM @iseeinitiative for more information. #iseeinitiative #seasonofgiving

#orangetheworld #generationequality #iseeitireportit #16daysofactivism

#orangetheworld #generationequality #iseeitireportit #16daysofactivism

WANT TO HELP? READ MORE! . We are going to start a new series of posts called SPEAK OUT! SPEAK NOW! . .... So here is what that is all about. Have you ever wondered if someone might have avoided a situation if you had just shared your own experience or even the experience of someone you know? Im not going to say all people learn through the eyes of others but sometimes it gives an individual some intellect about a matter or how to approach a situation. When it comes to domestic violence we often hear just headlines but not the full story. I feel that if we were able to share stories more we could help prevent the same things that may have happened to us from happening to someone else. If you are willing to share a story or even share some words of wisdom for everyone around us wed love to share your thoughts on our page! We do want to emphasize that it will be kept anonymous! Dm us or email us at [email protected] if youd like to share! #domesticviolence #nomore #speakoutspeaknow #newpostseries #iseei #isee #iseeinitiative #saynotodomesticviolence #domesticviolencesurvivor #tales #stories #wisdom #advise #advice #strength #power #inspire #support #educate #empower

No means NO! #orangetheworld #generationequality #iseeitireportit #16daysofactivism2019

During the 16 days of activism against gender based violence, we remember our maaveerars who fought not only against state oppression but also structural oppressions such as caste, class and the patriarchy, that is perpetuated in the home. We remember those who resisted and sacrificed their life for Tamil people to live with self-determination and freedom. We take a moment today to remember the selfless sacrifice of our maaveerars.

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act done by one person to another. Sexual assault is NOT acceptable including in a marriage or intimate relationship. Sexual assault is never OK and if its happened to you, know its not your fault #iseeitireportit #iseeinitiative #16daysofactivism2019 #OrangeTheWorld #GenderEquity #GenderEquality

ISEE INITIATIVE hosted a 3-part workshop series on domestic violence from November 09th to November 23rd in support of its I SEE IT I REPORT IT Campaign against domestic violence. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who attended and participated, our amazing speakers and our in-kind sponsor for making these workshops successful! Thank you for the fulfilling discussions and we look forward to seeing you all at our future events! #iseeitireportit #iseeinitiative

#orangetheworld #generationequality #iseeitireportit #iseeinitiative #16daysofaction2019

#orangetheworld #generationequality #iseeitireportit #iseeinitiative #16daysofactivism2019

#iseeinitiative #iseeitireportit

Workshop #1 Understanding Domestic Violence. Free workshop! Registration link in bio! See you all tomorrow! #iseei #iseeinitiative #domesticviolence #domesticviolenceawareness #education #awareness #learning

Register on Eventbrite for our upcoming workshop "Mental Health and Domestic Violence" on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Dorset Park Community Hub.