丁香园AV

312 Main Research Shop is a program within 丁香园AV CERi that facilitates collaboration between 丁香园AV graduate students and non-profit/community groups. It is focused on supporting research projects that provide plain-language answers to community-driven research questions at low or no cost to the community partner.

Project Title: Behavioural Support for Companion Animals in Domestic Violence Transition Houses: A Pilot Evaluation

This pilot project evaluates the effectiveness of the Functional Assessment Tracker (FAT), a behavioural assessment tool designed to help manage dogs residing in Domestic Violence Transition Houses across BC. Research shows that dogs exposed to intimate partner violence often exhibit fear-driven and unpredictable behaviours. This project aims to improve behavioural management practices to create safer environments for survivors, staff, and animals in these homes. The initiative is led in partnership with Warm Hearts Pet Safe Havens and the BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH).

The Research Assistant/Project Coordinator will support project activities across all phases, including literature review, community engagement, data analysis, and development of educational materials. This role requires strong research skills, familiarity with climate and social equity issues, and experience in community-engaged research (CER). The successful candidate will play a vital role in creating and refining resources for social sector organizations, supporting workshops, and ensuring data collection aligns with project objectives.

Research & Evaluation

• Conduct a literature review on behavioural assessment tools used in Transition Houses or similar settings.
• Administer and support the implementation of the FAT tool remotely (3 times per dog).
• Ensure that there are video recording of dogs as needed by Behavioural Consultants
• Conduct pre-screening interviews with Transition House staff and residents to gather context on dog behaviour.
• Assist Transition House workers in FAT delivery via remote training sessions (screen-share format).
• Collect and evaluate data using Likert scales and qualitative interviews to assess confidence levels in managing dog behaviour.
• Compile and transmit FAT reports to Canine Behaviour Consultants and other partners.

Project Coordination & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with project partners (Warm Hearts, BCSTH, Canine Behaviour Consultants).
• Motivate and coordinate participation from Transition House staff, residents, and consultants.
• Track project milestones and logistics including consent forms, scheduling, and veterinary checks.
• Attend and document weekly meetings with Warm Hearts and provide weekly written updates.

Analysis & Reporting

• Identify trends, benefits, and challenges related to use of the FAT in Transition Houses.
• Evaluate participants' willingness to use behavioural tools beyond the pilot.
• Prepare an interim report (January 2026) and final report (May 2026) summarizing outcomes, barriers, and recommendations.
   

Required:

• Graduate student in Psychology, Health Sciences, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work, or related discipline

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience or interest in trauma-informed, gender-based violence, or animal welfare contexts

• Ability to coordinate logistics, conduct interviews, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data

• Competence using digital tools (Zoom, shared drives, spreadsheets, etc.)

Assets:

• Familiarity with behavioural assessment tools or animal behaviour

• Experience working in community-based research or with non-profit organizations

• Understanding of ethical research practices and informed consent processes

• Comfort working with emotionally sensitive topics involving survivors of violence and their companion animals

• Familiarity with video recording and editing software

• Fill out the and submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Joanna Habdank (jhabdank@sfu.ca) by July 28