November 25 is the International Day to End Violence Against Women and launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which runs to December 10, Human Rights Day.
“There are many advocates and leaders working together across the province and the country to improve outcomes for survivors of gender-based violence, but the heartbreaking statistics and testimonies from some survivors tell us that we need to do more to improve our systems of response.” says EVA BC’s executive director, Ninu Kang.
“We cannot become complacent. Only with continued review and improvement of our response and prevention efforts will we create safer, healthier and more vibrant communities free of gender-based violence.”
This year Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada asks everyone to:
Listen. Learn. Act.
Here are our some suggestions to get you started:
Listen
To one of these podcasts:
- Six-part Signal for Help podcast – a podcast series on gender-based violence A brief overview of femicide – She is your Neighbour podcast
- How the Canadian Justice system treats abused women – The Decibel podcast
- The crisis of MMIWG: Don’t stay silent – Unrooted podcast: The Indigenous Foundation
- When intimate partner violence leads to concussion – The Current with Matt Galloway, CBC radio
Or, just listen: If you haven’t thought a lot about gender-based violence, maybe take a minute to be curious and listen: to a friend’s story, to a survivor sharing their experience, or to someone who works in the anti-violence sector.
Learn
Now that you’ve listened, you can also dig deeper into specific issues, do some research and challenge yourself to learn more.
Here are some great places to start learning:
Changing Perceptions: Improving the health sector response to sexual assault: Watch the video and see the resources developed from a research project BC conducted by BC Women’s department of Population and Global Health and EVA BC looking at how we sought to understand the conditions and processes that supported or created barriers for people disclosing sexual assault and accessing sexual assault services in BC.
Gender-Based Violence We All Can Help: Improving the Health Sector Response: This online course offered by BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre and developed with EVA BC was created for anyone who works in the health sector but much of it is applicable to anyone who works directly with individuals who may experience gender-based violence.
SHARP Workplaces training: EVA BC and the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) partnered on this five-year project funded by the Department of Justice to offer training and resources to employers and employees in small businesses and nonprofits to better respond to and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
If you work in the hospitality sector, consider taking Training in Prevention and Safety (TIPS) is customized sexual harassment training for people who work in bars, restaurants and other hospitality roles. Register for training for workers for free here.
And, if you’re an EVA BC member, don’t forget to check out our Training Hub for important training opportunities for anti-violence workers.
Get the latest facts on gender-based violence from the Canadian Women’s Foundation here.
Watch a film about GBV on the NFB website here.
Act
See WAGE Canada’s 16 ways to end gender-based violence here.
Share and use the social media hashtag #16Days and if you need ready-made social media graphics, see the bottom of WAGE Canada’s 16 Days campaign page.
Observe a moment of silence on December 6, for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. In the Lower Mainland you can attend the Shoe Memorial, downtown Vancouver in front of the art gallery on Robson Street from 8 am to 3 pm with a ceremony with speakers starting at noon.
Talk about it: If its safe for you to do so, talk with your friends and family about the issues regarding gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence to ensure that those around you and yourself are comfortable and informed.
Volunteer or donate: If you are looking for ways to get more involved to make a difference, many anti-violence organizations are looking for volunteers or donations of clothing and household items. See EVA BC’s service directory for organizations in your community and reach out.
Need help? If you or someone you know is experiencing violence you can find support and assistance through programs EVA BC serves with Community-Based Victim Services (CBVS), Stopping the Violence Counselling (STVC), STV Multicultural Outreach (STV MORS) and Outreach Services (ORS), and Sexual Assault Services (SAS) programs in our service directory through the button below.
VictimLinkBC also provides confidential support and information in over 150+ languages, help you with safety planning and guide you to find services and support in your community. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across BC and Yukon by phone or text at 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for the police or paramedics.
If you are looking for transitional housing you can find a list of options here and additional programs and support through the BC Society of Transition Houses.
