What was the initiative?
by their side engages Indo-Caribbean youth in the Peel Region in meaningful conversations around identity, interconnection and belonging in an effort to prevent
intimate partner violence (IPV).
What was the community connection?
Rhea’s connection to this community is deeply personal. As someone raised in Brampton within the Indo-Caribbean and South Asian diaspora, this community is not simply where she lives; it is part of who she is. Rhea grew up surrounded by stories of resilience, cultural pride, and collective care, while also witnessing the silence that often surrounded difficult conversations about relationships, violence, and wellbeing.
Through her own lived experiences and ongoing involvement in the community, Rhea recognized both the strengths that sustain her community and the challenges that continue to affect many young people. These experiences inspired the work of by their side. This initiative reflects Rhea’s commitment to supporting the next generation in building healthy relationships, finding their voice, and contributing to a community rooted in care, safety, and respect.
How was it innovative?
by their side was innovative because it shifted the focus from responding to IPV after harm occurs to preventing it before it begins. Rather than relying on traditional expert-led models, the initiative was youth-led and co-designed with Indo-Caribbean girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth, positioning participants as knowledge holders and active contributors. The program was delivered in trusted community spaces, including schools and faith-based settings, making conversations about relationships, well-being, and violence prevention more accessible and culturally relevant. Through art-based activities, lived experience, and an evolving curriculum shaped by participant feedback, by their side created a culturally grounded approach to violence prevention that is rarely available within the Indo-Caribbean community.
What is Rhea doing now?
Rhea is continuing her work with by their side, working towards bringing these conversations into more spaces in her community. She is also pursuing her Master’s in Health Systems Research, where she will continue to contribute to research on IPV.