Identifying the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the breeding behaviour of female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), at a mainland UK colony.

The study aimed to identify whether anthropogenic stimuli constituted a disturbance, as indicated through behavioural responses of the female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) at Donna Nook, a mainland UK breeding colony. The colony has public access to it, and is adjacent to the Ministry of defence training range with frequent fly-overs from low flying aircraft. Data collection was non-intrusive, using in-field focal videos, proximity maps, and human activity data collection. The primary aims of the study were to identify what sources of anthropogenic disturbances, if any, effect grey seal breeding behaviour on the colony. In addition to this the study wished to observe what affect pup sex and pupping location within the colony had on breeding behaviour and individual responses to disturbance. The results of this study were in agreement with prior studies on pinniped species, indicating a very limited behavioural response of individuals to anthropogenic disturbance stimuli during the breeding season. Pedestrian disturbances had a greater impact on the behaviour of individuals than aircraft disturbances; and of all the pedestrian disturbances found at the site, photographers elicited the greatest behavioural response in individuals. Behavioural responses to disturbances were noted to be more significant over the first two minute interval after a disturbance event than over longer periods of time. In vigilance behaviours, consistent individual differences (CIDs) in an individual’s response to disturbance events were noted both across AND within disturbance contexts. Pup sex and the location of the birthing site both seemed to affect a female’s response to a disturbance event; with mothers of male pups and those females which gave birth close to the Ministry of Defence site showing significantly higher levels of vigilance behaviours after a disturbance event. Comparisons of individual responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances revealed that individuals show a greater behavioural response to natural disturbances than those disturbances originating from a human source. The lack of behavioural responses to both natural and anthropogenic disturbance sources in the colony indicates the potential role of habituation and/or selection for behavioural types within the colony. The results of this study highlight the scope for future research into the stability of these responses to disturbance stimuli; both over numerous breeding seasons and also in periods outside of the breeding season

Breaking the Cycle: The Implications of a Recovery House and Resource Hub for Women Experiencing Criminalization

This research project was conducted in affiliation with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society, as a part of the TRU community development research grant. The goal was to gain more in-depth insight into how recovery houses and resource hubs could help women who have been criminalized. To begin, a literature review was conducted on women experiencing criminalization and their needs and concerns. Through this review, five main themes emerged. These were the overrepresentation of Indigenous women, the fragmentation of their healthcare experiences, the need to renegotiate their relationships, the challenges of community reintegration, and additional barriers such as employment and housing. Consideration is given to two subsets of this population, older women and transgender women. Consideration is also given to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on women who have been criminalized. Second, a literature review was conducted regarding recovery houses and the benefits and challenges associated with them. Third, a literature review was conducted on the existence of resource hubs. Due to their limited nature, this review was expanded internationally. The information acquired in these three sections was then compiled into a list of recommendations that mirror the five main themes of concern for women experiencing criminalization. The vision of the recovery house and the resource hub is to work collaboratively to address these five areas of a woman’s life, to provide holistic care, and to ensure no woman falls through the gap

Women Helping Women: Analyzing the Incorporation of Lived Experience in Peer Support for Women Experiencing Criminalization

There is little research centering on the experiences of women who have been criminalized and utilize their experience in their work or volunteer roles with women currently experiencing criminalization. This research applies an intersectional feminist and anti-oppressive/anti- privilege framework to explore how these women support other women, especially during times of COVID-19 affected services. Research demonstrates that women living with criminalization experience oppressive social relations and structural violence. The weakened social safety net and lack of community-based support force women into cycles of incarceration and homelessness. Peer support of women with shared lived experience is known to effectively support women to escape the incarceration cycle. Using purposeful sampling, approximately 35 women-serving agencies will be invited to circulate an online survey regarding the use and impact of peer mentorship. The agencies are also being asked to forward a recruitment poster to their employees, volunteers, and potential contacts for interviews. Potential peer mentor participants will be invited to participate in a 30 - 45 minute semi-structured interview via Zoom (maximum of six participants). The results of this research will provide valuable new knowledge detailing the experiences of women who transition from prison to a social service role. The results can inform social work practice in supporting women experiencing criminalization and identify areas needing further research

Women Helping Women: Analyzing the Incorporation of Lived Experience in Peer Support for Women Experiencing Criminalization

There is little research centering on the experiences of women who have been criminalized and utilize their experience in their work or volunteer roles with women currently experiencing criminalization. This research applies an intersectional feminist and anti-oppressive/anti- privilege framework to explore how these women support other women, especially during times of COVID-19 affected services. Research demonstrates that women living with criminalization experience oppressive social relations and structural violence. The weakened social safety net and lack of community-based support force women into cycles of incarceration and homelessness. Peer support of women with shared lived experience is known to effectively support women to escape the incarceration cycle. Using purposeful sampling, approximately 35 women-serving agencies will be invited to circulate an online survey regarding the use and impact of peer mentorship. The agencies are also being asked to forward a recruitment poster to their employees, volunteers, and potential contacts for interviews. Potential peer mentor participants will be invited to participate in a 30 - 45 minute semi-structured interview via Zoom (maximum of six participants). The results of this research will provide valuable new knowledge detailing the experiences of women who transition from prison to a social service role. The results can inform social work practice in supporting women experiencing criminalization and identify areas needing further research