Resources
Consent should be given freely, enthusiastically, without coercion, and can be removed or changed at any time.
Why is it urgent to address gender-based violence?
Because it costs women their lives: approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.
Violence against women costs taxpayers and the government billions of dollars every year: Canadians collectively spend $7.4 billion to deal with the aftermath of spousal violence alone.
It has a profound effect on children: Children who witness violence in the home have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children from non-violent homes.
Ending violence means lifelong learning. Book a workshop or a training with DWS or check out our resource page.
Healing from trauma and working to end violence and oppressions is long, hard work. Learning how to take care of ourselves and each other is a large part of our work as survivors and activists.
FRIENDS CAN HAVE A MASSIVE Impact
Listen: Really listen. Without judgement or thinking of how you are going to fix the problem. Be with your friend and listen deeply.
Validate: Abuse isolates. Let them know that they are not alone.
I’m here for you.
I believe you.
You didn’t cause the abuse.
Offer options: Connect your friend to local resources that might help or offer help with finding a safe place to stay or childminding.
Applause: Abuse makes us think we are weak and unworthy of love. Remind your friend how strong, creative, and brave they are for trusting you and asking for help.
Reframing: Abuse teaches us lies about ourselves or about what is normal. Gently let your friend know the truth about the myths we are taught about gendered violence.
We’re more likely to be able to support a friend who’s being stalked if we learn to recognize what stalking looks like and also learn to challenge the myths we’re taught about stalking.
How are you celebrating the shortest day and longest night?
“The moment we surrender our capacity to believe another world is possible is the moment it becomes true.” - Kai Cheng Thom
Resources, links, and videos for folks to unlearn ableism and become better allies to disabled folks.
December 1st is World AIDS Day. Why should we as anti-violence activists care about the stigma that folks living with HIV or AIDS face?
From November 25 to December 10 we call on everyone to take action to end gender-based violence. Why do we need 16 Days?
Learn the warning signs of abuse and how to help a friend.
Every Indigenous child is one of a kind and deserves access, support, and to thrive.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
Throughout the month of June, we celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have made an impact in history and those who continue to influence today.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an official day of celebration to recognize and honour the heritage, cultures and valuable contributions to society by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Illustration by Karlene Harvey
Shìn hǫ̀ląy!
It is summer!
Hän interpretation by Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Heritage Department
Stalking is pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.