Gender-Based Violence

As defined by the United Nations, gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender and is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms (2022). GBV disproportionately impacts women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people. It encompasses sexual, physical, mental, spiritual, cultural, and economic abuse as well as legal bullying, threats of violence, coercion, manipulation, stalking, and harassment.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation further states that “while violence affects all people, some people are more at risk of experiencing violence because of various forms of oppressions, such as, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism, etc. Certain populations may experience high levels of violence including women and girls, Two-Spirit, LGBTQIA+, gender-diverse individuals, women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities; and women living with disabilities. The intersection of any two or more risk factors may increase a person’s risk and vulnerability to violence (2021).

GBV can happen between people in intimate relationships, in families, at work, between friends, acquaintances, and strangers (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2021). Gender-based violence can also be called domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or spousal violence. Furthermore, the United Nations defines domestic violence as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone (2022).

It is important to remember that no one deserves to be abused, it is not your fault, and you are not alone! There are many community resources to help support you leaving an unsafe relationship or situation, healing and connecting with others, and building healthier relationships and community. Please reach out when you are ready.
To learn more about Safety Planning, click here.