VESTA Secures Up to $2 Million in Federal Funding to Enhance Trauma-Informed Tech Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors

Lucrezia Spagnolo founded VESTA Social Innovation Technologies with a vision to support survivors of gender-based violence, despite skepticism about integrating technology in addressing what was perceived as a human issue. With over twenty years in international payments, Spagnolo recognized a critical need for specific tools that empower survivors to reclaim their narratives. VESTA offers a trauma-informed online platform for documenting experiences, connecting with crisis services, and reporting incidents either anonymously or directly to the police.

In March, the Government of Canada allocated up to $1.9 million in federal funding for VESTA’s Resilience in Action project, aimed at supporting immigrant, refugee, and non-status women experiencing gender-based violence. This initiative responds to research throughout Spagnolo's career transition, especially sparked by the Jian Ghomeshi trial in 2014, which profoundly resonated with her personal experiences. The trial and its subsequent discussions about the legal treatment of sexual assault survivors highlighted the disconnect between disclosure and formal reporting—85% of survivors disclose their experiences informally, yet only 5% report them to authorities.

This disparity urged Spagnolo to act, leading her to investigate ways that technology could help bridge this gap. VESTA Community, launched in 2021, provides a private, web-based application for users to document their experiences in a trauma-informed manner, access resources, and make informed choices. Initial pilot programs with Kingston Police and the Kingston Sexual Assault Centre demonstrated rapid success, with 45% of users opting to report to authorities.

As feedback from survivors revealed a desire for a gentler approach to reporting, Spagnolo recognized the growing need to focus on marginalized communities. Responding to inquiries about supporting newcomers and women without immigration status, VESTA developed the Resilience in Action Project. This new initiative partners with settlement agencies and community organizations, aiming to create a navigator program that combines digital tools with human assistance.

Understanding that technology can offer substantial support but not replace human empathy, Spagnolo emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive options, particularly for Indigenous, immigrant, and racialized women who encounter higher rates of violence.

Spagnolo credits much of VESTA's momentum to the supportive tech ecosystem in Waterloo Region, particularly through Communitech, which provides resources for women and non-binary founders. This community has aided her in various operational aspects, enhancing her capacity to connect with critical partnerships and recruit talent.

While she acknowledges the challenges ahead in navigating societal attitudes toward gender-based violence, Spagnolo remains committed to fostering a movement that prioritizes the needs of survivors. She encourages collaboration across organizations, asserting that collective strength is essential to effecting meaningful change.

In conclusion, VESTA represents Spagnolo's dedication to transforming pain into social innovation by leveraging technology while maintaining a crucial human touch. Her vision continues to evolve, aiming to empower survivors one step at a time.