“So, now I speak” : NunatuKavut Inuit voices on sexual violence, justice, and resilience

Abstract

This project engaged NunatuKavut Inuit in exploring experiences of sexual violence, justice, and resilience. To date, no qualitative research has focused on experiences of sexual violence among NunatuKavut Inuit or within Labrador. Five NunatuKavut Inuit community members participated in interviews related to police, the justice system, and sexual violence support services. Reflexive thematic analysis uncovered two overarching themes, colonialism and resilience, and eight sub-themes. These community members identified needs related to increasing support services and service providers, improving justice system navigation, and implementing more education for Indigenous survivors. Findings of this project are of interest not only to NunatuKavut Inuit, stakeholders, and survivors, but also to Indigenous Peoples and allies across Labrador, including health and justice service providers. Findings broaden what is known about experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and help inform policies and community-based practices regarding sexual violence, justice and resilience in Labrador.