Overview

19th Symposium on Violence & Aggression

The Violence & Aggression Symposium is a conference held biennially since 1986 that brings together academics (faculty and staff), government (federal, provincial and municipal) and community representatives, including Indigenous and other community groups/agencies, to enhance knowledge and build partnerships and collaborations aimed at understanding and addressing critical issues related to violent crime and aggressive behaviour. Targeted to frontline workers, as well as clinicians and other professionals and policymakers in corrections, policing, and forensic mental health, the Symposium assists in translating research and theory into practice, provides an opportunity to highlight excellence and innovation within a variety of correctional and criminal justice environments, and promotes the use of evidence-based practice across the criminal justice spectrum -- crime prevention agencies, courts, police, corrections, parole -- in Saskatchewan, Canada and beyond.

The 19th offering (2nd virtual) focussed on our 'new reality' and how the pandemic has affected corrections and policing, including innovations in virtual programming, assessment, and interventions, as well as relevant topics associated with the overarching symposium themes of violence and aggression:

Individuals and communities who have experienced trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder;
Trends, challenges, and concerns in corrections stemming from COVID-19;
Indigenous health, mental health, and wellness;
Virtual treatment services and ethical practice in a virtual world;
Policing postures in the post-George Floyd Era;
Opportunities to improve the health status of people who experience detention and incarceration;
Reducing stigma and discrimination towards individuals with substance use disorder;

…and much more.

Program

Plenary Speakers

Monday May 30, 2022 - Day #1

Policing’s new reality: Police work in the post-George Floyd era

Dr Gregory Brown, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice within the School of Science, Health & Criminal Justice, State University of New York

Acknowledging the Impact of Past and Ongoing Trauma on Indigenous Health and Wellness: Possible Pathways Forward

Dr. Holly Graham, Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing and Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan

Tuesday May 31, 2022 - Day #2

Trends, Challenges and Concerns in Federal Corrections: A Prison Ombuds’ Perspective

Dr. Ivan Zinger, Correctional Investigator of Canada, Correctional Investigator (Federal Prison Ombudsman)

Ethical practice in a virtual world: Virtual research and service delivery to justice-involved clients

Dr. Jill Stinson, Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at East Tennessee State University

Concurrent Sessions*

Day #1 - Monday May 30, 2022

Mr. Gord Garner, Vice President Strategic Partnerships CAPSA Substance Use Health, Stigma and Policy
Dr. Fiona Kouyoumdjian, MD MPH PhD CCFP FRCPC, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University The health status of people in correctional facilities in Canada
Dr. Suzanne Stewart, Director of the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto Indigenous mental health and reconciliation: What does this mean in front-line criminal justice work?
Dr. Sandra Bucerius, Professor, Director Centre for Criminological Research, University of Alberta Prison Needle Exchange Programs: Evidence-Based decisions for positive changes to life behind bars

Day #2 -Tuesday May 31, 2022

Dr. Leslie Anne Keown and Dr. Larry Motiuk, Research Branch, Correctional Service Canada

The Changing Federal In-Custody Offender Profile

Panel Presentation
D. Gossner, Director of Program Integrity and Evaluation Offender Services, Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Government of Saskatchewan
and
K. Stockdale. Registered Doctoral Psychologist, Criminal Investigations Division, Saskatoon Police Service

Emerging Virtual Services and Supports for Corrections Clientele

Dr. Andrea Moser, Ph.D., Director General of the Research Branch at Correctional Service Canada

The Importance of Evidence-Based Assessment and Classification of Offenders – An International Perspective

*subject to change

Program Details

Registration

NOW CLOSED

$105.00 + GST
Full admission to the 2-day live, virtual symposium plus access up to 60 days post-event to the Conference app (including materials and speakers' presentation videos).

$55.00 + GST (registered student rate)
Use Promo Code: STUDENTVA2022
Proof of enrolment may be required.

Poster Competition

Call for abstracts – virtual poster session open to all (monetary prize for ‘best student poster’)

Now Closed.

Planning Committee

Dr. Lisa Jewell (Co-Chair), Research Associate, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Mansfield Mela (Co-Chair), Director, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies
Lorrie Sorowski, Coordinator, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies, University of Saskatchewan
Delphine Gossner, Director of Program Integrity and Evaluation, Offender Services, Goverment of Saskatchewan
Dr. Leslie Anne Keown, A/Senior Research Manager, Research Branch, Correctional Service Canada - National Headquarters
Professor Cindy Peternelj-Taylor, Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. John Weekes, Independent Consultant
Sgt. Nick Smyth, Manager, Regina Violent Crime Analysis Sections, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Dr. Natalie H. Polvi, Registered Doctoral Psychologist, Chief Psychologist, Regional Psychiatric Centre, Correctional Service Canada, Prairie Region