SOAR has three main areas of focus*:

1. EXPLORE – Psychosocial and Lab-based assessments – We partner with researchers who use a variety of methods to explore the intersection of BI and IPV, and quantify its effects. Examples include one-on-one interviews to capture a past history of abuse, gauge brain injury severity, and explore mental health issues and areas such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as resilience and quality of life. Our research partners also conduct lab-based tests to gauge a variety of physiological and behavioural functions and responses.
2. EDUCATE – Education and Training – We use an integrated knowledge translation approach that ensures education and training tools are designed to ensure those who work with survivors of intimate partner violence have the knowledge and skills they need to support those who’ve suffered a brain injury. We also work to increase awareness of brain injury from intimate partner violence in the community at large by developing and disseminating resources and training workshops for a variety of audiences.
3. EMPOWER – Supports and Services – We provide resources to service providers from the health care, brain injury support, legal, and gender-based violence sectors. We partner with them, and with lived experience survivors to identify gaps in supports and services, and develop recommendations for targeted solutions. We also advocate for changes in policy and practice in order to help survivors achieve better health and wellness outcomes.

* Our work is grounded in recognizing trauma, and its effects on survivors