Unveiling the Truth:
FAQs on Gender-Based Violence
What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender-based violence encompasses different types of violence (domestic violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, exploitation, abuse) and ongoing harm (control, coercion, harassment and stalking) that is rooted in gender-inequality, power-imbalances, structural violence, patriarchal and colonial structures and misogyny. Gender-based violence impacts women, girls and gender-diverse individuals and disproportionately impacts those who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, living with poverty and/or living with a disability The term gender-based violence recognizes that violence can occur in different relationship types, including current or former intimate partners; dating relationships; familial relationships; co-workers, landlords, customers, clients or acquaintances. Gender-based violence may also occur in cases where there is no prior relationship, that is motivated by gendered and racialized hate through individual and mass killings.
What are the different types of gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence can include many different types of violence, such as physical forms of violence, emotional and psychological violence, financial abuse and spiritual abuse and may also include harassment, stalking and exploitation. Physical forms of violence may include hitting, pushing, shoving, biting, strangulation, forcible confinement, throwing and destroying items or property as well as threats of physical violence. Emotional or psychological forms of violence, can include name calling and insults, isolation, coercive control, and belittling or demeaning remarks. Financial abuse may include controlling and/or withholding your money, preventing you from working, maxing out credit cards, or creating other forms of debt. And spiritual abuse can include forcing or preventing someone from practicing their beliefs or religion, as well as exert control and coercion over someone on the basis of their spiritual and/or religious beliefs.
What are the top causes of gender-based violence and how can we stop gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is rooted in behavior, gender inequality, power imbalances, misogyny and deeply held patriarchal and colonial values and beliefs.
We can stop gender based violence by....
- Acknowledging that using violence and control over another person to get what you want is wrong
- Challenge harmful stereotypes and myths that perpetuate gender inequality and put women, girls and gender-diverse individuals at an increased risk for violence by engaging in educational discussion with family, peers and coworkers.
- Believing and supporting those in our our life who are experiencing fear or danger from another individual
- Recognize the signs someone may be experiencing or perpetrating harm
- Access training through the Neighbours, Friends and Families program to learn what to say, what not to say, and how to safely support a friend or family member who may be experiencing or perpetrating gender-based violence.
- Include men’s voices and engage men and boys as allies working to end gender-based violence
Who is impacted by gender-based violence?
Women, girls and gender-diverse individuals are most commonly impacted by gender-based violence. Indigenous, Black and racialized communities face disproportionate rates of gender-based violence and may face unique barriers to accessing services and escaping violence. Gender-based violence also has widespread impacts on communities and community members and may impact other community members such as a new intimate partner, children, family members, neighbours, colleagues and service providers who may try to intervene in the violence

How can I help if I am worried someone is in an abusive, or dangerous relationship?
If you suspect a family member, friend or another loved one may be experiencing gender-based violence it is important to remain connected and reduce the impacts of isolation. Create rapport and trust and let them know that you are concerned about them and that you are there to support them however they need.
For more information on how to recognize the warning signs of abuse and how to talk to a loved one who may be experiencing, or causing harm in their relationships, visit: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/friends-and-family/
There are a number of supports and resources within mulberry that can help community members support their loved ones who may be experiencing or causing harm. Information on local services can be found within the find support page and can be filtered to identify the types of services and support that is needed. Mulberry also includes a safety resource section that provides access to external resources that can identify experiences of violence and assist with risk assessment and safety planning.
