WATERLOO-KITCHENER, ON — The CanAfro Research Institute has launched a national research and advocacy project: “Interrupting the Cycle: Research and Advocacy for Black Male Survivors Criminalized by Self-Defense and Systemic Bias.” Funded by the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, this initiative is designed to support and elevate the voices of Black men who have survived violence or trauma but found themselves facing the justice system as a result.
The project is actively looking to connect with Black men (aged 18 or older) across Canada who have survived experiences like assault, intimate partner violence, or hate incidents, and were subsequently criminalized for reacting in self-defense, as a trauma response, or due to systemic bias.
To ensure a safe, empowering experience, the project provides participants with:
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Strict Anonymity: Your safety and privacy are the highest priorities. Personal names and identifying details will never be used in interviews or published in reports.
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Compensation: Participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank-you for sharing their time and lived expertise.
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Holistic Support Services: Beyond the research, the institute connects participants with culturally grounded peer mentorship and dedicated legal navigation support.
How Community Agencies and Individuals Can Participate
If you are an individual who has lived through this cycle, or if you are a community worker, caseworker, or advocate supporting someone who has, the CanAfro team wants to hear from you. The project aims to engage up to Black men from all backgrounds across the country.
Additionally, the project will deliver targeted, trauma-informed defense training for legal professionals to ensure that survivors receive fair, culturally competent representation in court.
Connect With Us Safely and Confidentially
Participation is completely voluntary. An active or ongoing court case is not required to participate or to access support services.
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Phone: 226-600-3518
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Email: contact@canafroinstitute.com
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Website: www.canafroinstitute.com
