York Regional Police is proud to have partnered with the York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS), Schulich Executive Education, the Schulich School of Business, and York University (Schulich ExecEd) to offer the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series—a four-part program designed to support survivors of intimate partner violence as they rebuild their lives.

Developed with guidance from York Regional Police, the program aims to help survivors regain confidence, develop leadership skills, and achieve both personal and professional growth.

“York Regional Police is proud to work alongside our valued community partners to address the very real and pervasive issue of intimate partner violence,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “We will always do what we can to support survivors of abuse.”

Focused on equipping participants with tools and skills to thrive in their personal and professional lives, the program was thoughtfully designed to empower survivors and help them rebuild after trauma.

“This program has been thoughtfully designed to help survivors regain their voice and confidence, sharpen their existing skills, and learn new ones as they navigate the journey of healing,” said Chief MacSween. “For many, this includes rejoining the workforce after some time away.”

YRCCS Executive Director Jaspreet Gill echoed Chief MacSween’s remarks, emphasizing the lasting impact of abuse.

“Survivors of IPV have often lived in a climate of fear, shame, coercive control, and devaluation,” said Gill. “Many are robbed of hope. The goal of this program is to help them reclaim what was taken—to restore hope for a better future.”

Last month, nine participants successfully completed the program and were awarded certificates at a special ceremony.

“Schulich ExecEd is committed to empowering individuals through professional development education,” said Rami Mayer, Executive Director of the program. “We lead many initiatives focused on supporting women, enhancing their well-being, and enabling them to thrive in the workforce.”

Mayer added that the initiative is “a testament to the transformative power of education in fostering personal growth and driving community change.”

Several participants shared powerful reflections on their experience:

“I learned how to look within myself, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover my voice—a voice that had been buried for years in the silence of marriage and self-sacrifice, all for a sense of ‘peace’ for my children and family,” one participant shared.

“This program introduced me to a powerful word: resilience. Through it, I found what had been missing in my life—the strength to stand up and help other women and children who have experienced similar struggles.”

Another participant described each session as “filled with insights, inspiration, and honest conversations” that made a lasting impact.

“The series didn’t just empower—it connected us, encouraged us, and reminded every participant of her capacity to lead, influence, and rise. I left not only with new tools and perspectives but also a renewed sense of confidence and community.”

The Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series will reconvene in the fall with a new cohort of women participants.

Prepared by: Hannah Jackson
August 21, 2025

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[2025-08-21] York Regional Police Helps Build Professional Development Program for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence