Gender‐based violence is violence that is directed against someone because of their gender. It is not just physical violence, but includes any acts of violence that can cause physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm to someone. It affects women disproportionately but also affects transgender, non-binary or Two-Spirit people who can also be targeted due to their gender identity or gender expression.
Gender inequality and discrimination are root causes of gender based violence.
Most often targeted at women and girls, GBV is related to power inequalities and is shaped by social norms that dictate men's and women’s roles in society and normalize abuse. Inequalities between men and women can be seen across public and private areas of life, and across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. These inequalities can increase women’s and girls’ risks of abuse, violent relationships and exploitation. Learn about the risk factors here.
(Note: although GBV does not only affect women, there is still less data regarding GBV directed at LGBT and gender diverse people. The most current research on violence impacting queer and gender-diverse communities is carried out by Egale Canada). The following statistics are drawn from Statistics Canada's data on gender-based violence:
Speak up! If you see or hear a friend, classmate or peer say or do something hurtful, talk to them about it. Even things that seem little, like sexist "jokes", add up over time to create an environment where disrespect and abuse towards women and gender diverse people seems normal. But it isn't normal, and it's okay for you to call people out for being wrong.
If you are concerned that a friend or someone you know may be/have been the target of gender-based violence, talk to them and offer support. To learn more about the warning signs that someone is experiencing abuse, go to this link.
Here are some more tips, from the Status of Women Office, on what to do as a bystander. And some specific tips for men & boys, from the White Ribbon Campaign.
Myths and Realities of Sexual Harassment (VAW Learning Network, UWO)
Overview of Violence against Women and Girls (UN Entity for Gender Equality)
The Facts about Sexual Assault and Harrassment (Canadian Women's Foundation)