Frequently Asked Questions
Be The One...Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when can I attend a Focus Group?
Stay tuned for more information !
Do I have to sign up to attend a Focus Group?
There will be a few drop-in focus groups offered so you can just show up without registering. These groups will be clearly marked as drop-in. For all other groups, please contact Audra via email, phone, or stop by YWCA Hamilton to have your name added to the focus group you would like to attend.
Can I get volunteer hours for attending a Focus Group?
Absolutely! Bring in any required paperwork that needs to be signed and Audra will be happy to give you her autograph.
How many youth will be attending each Focus Group?
Ideally 8-12 youth per group. We want to be sure that everyone has a chance to share and participate to the level that they are comfortable with.
I belong to a community group with youth aged 16-24. Could we sign up as an existing group and have our own Focus Group?
Yes. Please contact Audra to coordinate date, time and location for your group.
Are bus tickets provided to attend Focus Groups?
Yes. Two bus tickets will be provided to youth who express a need at time of arrival at the focus group.
What if I can only stay for part of the Focus Group due to other commitments?
We plan to offer at least 10 focus groups across Hamilton so if there’s one that would allow you to participate for the whole time that would be great. If there is a date/time/location you would like to see a focus group offered, please contact Audra and make the suggestion. We all have a lot going on, so if you have to take off early/arrive late, no worries.
Can I bring a support person to a Focus Group?
Definitely. We want all youth to have the opportunity to participate in a focus group and to be as comfortable as possible. If you require assistance due to any kind of disability, please invite your personal support worker, social worker, or helper to come along with you.
I would like to participate in a Focus Group but English is not my first language. How can you help me?
Interpreters will gladly be provided upon request. Please let Audra know about your needs when you register for a focus group. If you have someone that you would like to interpret for you, please invite them to the focus group with you.
I belong to the deaf community. How can you help me participate in a Focus Group?
ASL interpreters can be arranged upon request. Please let Audra know about your needs when you register for a focus group. If you have someone that you would like to interpret for you, please invite them to the focus group with you.
What happens if I share personal information about myself in a Focus Group?
We want you to feel safe talking about your experiences with violence with your peers. All focus group participants will sign a Confidentiality Form which states that all information that is discussed in the group is not to be shared with others. Ultimately the decision is yours about how much you share about yourself with the group.
Can’t make it out to a Focus Group but you’d still like to participate?
Take a minute and complete our anonymous online Youth Questionnaire to share your thoughts. More information to follow !
Who is partnered with YWCA Hamilton for this project?
YWCA Hamilton is partnered with the White Ribbon Campaign . White Ribbon Campaign works with boys and men on education and prevention campaigns raise awareness about violence against women and girls.
How is this project funded?
Be The One...to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls is a 2-year project funded by the Status of Women Canada. Status of Women Canada launched its Blueprint Projects to help community-based organizations address its three priority issues, one of which is ending violence against women and girls.
For more information, please contact:
Audra Petrulis
Project Coordinator
YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922 ext. 112