Gender-Based Violence: Fact or Fiction?

 

For 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, DWS and other Yukon organizations working to prevent violence are creating spaces for learning more about how GBV works and what prevention can look like.

You are not alone. You deserve support.
As we have tough convos about violence and abuse, please take care of yourself. You are the expert in your life and know best how to take care - whether it’s reaching out to loved one, being on the land, taking time for yourself, or connecting with resources.

Want to help to prevent violence? Sign up for the two FREE workshops DWS is offering on December 6th and 7th. More information and sign-up here.

Image description: Text “Understanding Gender-Based Violence” on a background of colourful northern lights

Because gender-based violence is so rarely talked about, getting a low score on this quiz is normal.

We created this not to shame folks about what they don’t know, but as another way for folks to learn past the myths that we’re talk about abuse, coercion, and violence.

These facts are Not Fun. Highly suggest that folks think of ways to care for themselves as we commit to preventing violence in our world.

Quiz Time!

1. ___________ out of three Canadians understand what it means to give consent.

a. one out of three
b. two out of three
c. three out of three

2. The drug used most often to facilitate sexual assault is:

a. rohypnol
b. cannabis
c. MDMA
d. alcohol

3. __________ out of every ten women in Canada experiences intimate partner violence in their lives.

a. two out of ten
b. three out of ten
c. four out of ten
d. five out of ten

4. The most dangerous time someone in an abusive relationship is:

a. first six months of relationship
b. middle of relationship
c. six months after leaving
d. when a friend offers help

5. Approximately every ____________ days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.
a. six days
b. ten days
c. fourteen days
d. twenty-one days

6. In the north, rates of violence for girls and young women are:

a. four times lower than in the south
b. two times lower than in the south
c. two times higher than in the south
d. four times higher than in the south

7. Most sexual assaults are perpetrated by a stranger.
a. true
b. false

8. It is estimated that less than __________ percent of survivors of sexual violence share the crime with the police.
a. one percent
b. fourteen percent
c. twenty-eight percent
d. fifty-two percent

9. What is the number one reason survivors of sexual violence don’t report to the police?

a. Feeling young and powerless
b. Shame
c. Self-blame
d. Desire to move on
e. Belief that reporting wouldn’t do any good

10. How many sexual assault reports made to the police are found to be false?

a. 2-4%
b. 14-16%
c. 28%
d. 52%

10. Who can call DWS’ 24 Hour Support Line for non-judgmental listening and resources?

a. survivors of violence
b. coworkers, neighbours, friends, and families of survivors
c. both A & B


Answers

  1. A: One out of three Canadians understand what it means to give consent. (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2015)

  2. D: Alcohol is the most commonly used date rape drug. (University of Ulster. "Alcohol Is Most Common 'Date Rape' Drug." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 October 2007)

  3. C: Four out of ten women experiences intimate partner violence in their lives (Statistics Canada, 2015).

  4. C: The most dangerous time for a survivor leaving an abusive relationship is when leaving the relationship (Holly Johnson, Statistics Canada, 2006). Almost 60% of police-reported dating violence happens after the relationship has ended (Tina Hotton Mahony, Juristat, 2008).

  5. A: Approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner (Joel Roy and Sharon Marcellus, Statistics Canada, 2019).

  6. D: For girls and young women in the north, the rate of experiencing violent crime is four times higher than Canada’s overall population. The violence is more likely to be severe and result in physical injury (Shana Conroy, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, 2021; Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, 2021).

  7. B: In the vast majority of crimes of sexual assault, the accused is known to the victim (in 80% of sexual offences in 2002). Two fifths of all victims (41%) were assaulted by an acquaintance, 10% by a friend, 28% by a family member, and the remaining 20% were victimized by a stranger. More than half of the sexual assaults against adults (52%) and youth between 12 and 17 years of age (58%) were committed by friends and acquaintances. (The Daily, "Family Violence", June 23, 2003, p.1)

  8. A: It is estimated that less than one per cent of sexual assaults experienced by women lead to an offender being convicted (Holly Johnson, 2012).

  9. A: From a 2015 Ipsos Reid poll:

    Why victims don’t report sexual assault to police:

    • Feeling young and powerless - 56%

    • Shame - 40%

    • Self-blame - 29%

    • Desire to move on - 26%

    • Belief that reporting wouldn’t do any good - 21%

    • Not wanting to turn in a family member - 19%

    • Effect on future relationships - 18%

    • Afraid of further damage from the attacker - 15%

    • Afraid of the legal process - 11%

    • Knew the person and didn’t want to destroy their life - 9%

  10. A: 2-4% of sexual assault reports are false. False reporting of sexual assault is rare. (Kimberly Lonsway, Joanne Archambault, David Lisak - The National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against Women)

  11. B: Survivors and their allies can call DWS’ 24 Hour Support Line - 867.993.5086. More Yukon and Dawson resources here.

How’d You Do?

Again, it’s really normal to not know ANY of the answers as violence, abuse, coercion, and harassment are hidden and silenced in our culture.

If you want supportive listening or have questions after taking the quiz, call DWS’ 24 Hour Support Line - 867.993.5086.

 
Connection, DWS Events, Education, Taking Action, Understanding ViolenceDawson Women's Shelter16 days, gender-based violence, myths, fact, fiction, sexual assault, false reporting