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.
Created by Emm Roy
Listening to and believing survivors is essential.
Local organizations that can be helpful for folks experiencing abuse.
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.
Dawson Women’s Shelter wants to acknowledge that our community has been hurting and on high alert due to multiple physical and sexual assaults this past week.