Learn about Gender-based Violence

Gender-based violence can be verbal, emotional, mental, spiritual, or financial. It may start with unkind words or emotional abuse and later become physical.

Types of Gender-based Violence

Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

This happens when one person hurts or threatens the person they are dating or living with. It can happen in any romantic or sexual relationship.

Sexual Violence

Forcing or pressuring someone to take part in sexual activity they do not want or without their permission

Criminal Harassment

When someone repeatedly follows, contacts, or threatens another person and makes them afraid for their safety.

Coercive Control

This is when one partner tries to control the other through fear, manipulation, or abuse. It can include emotional, verbal, or physical harm.

Family Violence

Violence that happens within a family by a spouse, parent, child, sibling or other family member.

Sex Trafficking

This happens when a person is forced, tricked, or pressured into sexual activity in exchange for money or goods. It is a form of human trafficking.

Online Abuse

When someone uses the internet or social media for bullying, harassment, or sharing hurtful messages or pictures.

These forms of violence can overlap, and one person may experience more than one type.

There’s a very good chance that someone you know has experienced gender-based violence: as a victim, survivor, or perhaps more disturbingly, as a perpetrator. According to the World Health Organization:

1 in 10

Canadian women aged 15-24 have been sexually assaulted

6 in 10

Canadian women aged 15-24 have experienced unwanted sexual behaviours in public

3 in 10

Women aged 15-24 have been emotionally, financially, or psychologically abused by a partner

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Changes in mood or personality (withdrawn, anxious, scared)

  • Loss of interest in their hobbies and school

  • Unexplained bruises

  • Secrecy about their relationship

  • Defensiveness

  • Not wanting to go certain places because their partner will be upset

  • Their partner makes most (or all) the decisions

Behavioural Red Flags

Extreme jealousy or possessiveness

A partner or friend who constantly checks on them, controls who they talk to, or always wants to know where they are.

Isolation

Keeping them away from friends, family, or activities they enjoy.

Frequent put-downs

Using insults, name-calling, or shaming to make them feel bad about themselves.

Controlling behaviour

Telling them what to wear, who to see, or what they can post online.

Explosive anger

Sudden outbursts or mood swings that make them feel afraid.

Pressure around sex

Pushing them to do sexual things or making them feel guilty for saying no.

Digital Red Flags

  • Constantly checking the other person’s messages, social media, or call history without permission.

  • Insisting on knowing their accounts or demanding passwords.

  • Spamming messages or becoming angry when they don’t answer right away.

  • Using technology to scare, follow, or spread rumours about them.