GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)
What is gender based violence? (GBV)
Everyone has the right to live free from violence. However, many Canadians across the country continue to face violence every day because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. This is referred to as gender-based violence (GBV) and is a violation of human rights.
GBV is not limited to physical violence and can include any word, action, or attempt to degrade, control, humiliate, intimidate, coerce, deprive, threaten, or harm another person. GBV can take many forms including cyber, physical, sexual, societal, psychological, emotional, and economic. Neglect, discrimination, and harassment can also be forms of GBV.
Who is affected by gender based violence?
While violence affects all people, some people are more at risk of experiencing violence because of various forms of oppression, such as racism, colonialism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism. Certain populations, based on key statistics, are more likely to experience GBV, including: women; young women and girls; Indigenous women, girls and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual Plus (2SLGBTQQIA+) people; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB) and people of other sexual orientation than heterosexual; Transgender and gender diverse people; women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities; and, women living with disabilities.
Women in Canada are more likely than men to experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Self-reported data collected in 2018 shows that 44% of women reported experiencing some form of IPV in their lifetime (since the age of 15).Footnote2 Access more information on GBV key statistics for women.
To learn more on gender based violence go to Government of Canada Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre
Crisis lines for those affected by gender-based violence
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Victim Link BC
Toll-free: 1-800-563-0808 (multilingual services available)
ALBERTA
Family Violence Info Line
Toll-free: 310-1818 (multilingual services available)
Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence
Toll-free: 1-866-403-8000
Text: 1-866-403-8000
Email: mailbox@aasas.ca
SASKATCHEWAN
Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan
Phone: 2-1-1
Text: 2-1-1
MANITOBA
Domestic Violence Crisis Line, Family Violence Prevention Program
Toll-free: 1-877-977-0007
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Northwest Territories Help Line
Toll-free: 1-800-661-0844
YUKON
Women’s Transition Home Crisis Line
Phone: 1-867-668-5733
