16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — Resources

Day 2: To keep ourselves and those around us safe, it is important that we know what to do if someone asks for help. Services for GBV survivors are essential services. If there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you feel unsafe on campus, please connect with Public Safety and Security and The Office of Anti-Racism, Equity, and Human Rights Services.  Visit the 16 Days of Activism webpage for more details and how to connect with supports and services for those affected by gender-based violence are available in the GBC community.

Day 3: The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a strong reminder that we can all contribute to ending gender-based violence and creating a safer space for all. Generally, survivors won’t report gender-based violence cases to the police, official reporting within institution peers, and/or family because they feel they will be shamed by their families, friends, or the offender. One way to help gender-based violence is to stop victim shaming/blaming. Believe the person sharing their experience! 

Day 4: As members of GBC community, it is important to be aware that violence can also manifest as non-physical violence. Not all gender-based violence is physical. Name-calling, stalking, harassment, control (including financial), cyber-attacks, bullying (including online bullying) and manipulation are all forms of GBV.  

Day 5: As advocates for justice and equality, we ought to avoid gender stereotypes. We are all negatively impacted when gender stereotypes are commonly emphasized in our discussions. Men and boys are impacted by unfair gendered stereotypes, such as being expected to be “tough”, stoic, emotionally distant, and the financial provider. And Women can and are organizational leaders, girls can work in trades and be great builders, men can cry, boys can like pink. Non-binary and trans people are also impacted by unfair stereotypes, such as being labelled as confused or going through a ‘phase’, just to name a few. 

Day 6: One way that we can make a change is to challenge social norms. Research suggests that gendered language reinforces inequality and more regressive norms. Harmful social norms that sustain GBV include ideals for women’s sexual purity or protecting family honour over women’s safety. Don’t accept phrases like “boys will be boys” or “she was asking for it” as an excuse for negative or violent behaviours or comments.

Day 7: To make our community a safer place, we must challenge stigma. Most sexual assaults are not reported to the police or law enforcement authorities. A major reason for this underreporting is fear, shame, and embarrassment of being judged, blamed, or not believed. You can help end stigma by believing and supporting those who report being victimized by GBV. Share information about reporting options and show up in a caring, and respectful way for those impacted. 

Day 8: In order to make real change, we must educate ourselves. Generally, violence is a learned behaviour, and so is healthy communication!  We must continue to commit to communicating in a healthy and respectful way in all relationships, especially intimate relationships. So, consent can be given and freely asked for, boundaries can be set, and one can freely speak up if subjected to experiences that make them uncomfortable. Or give them the ick! You can help by listening with empathy, validate others’ emotions and experiences, and be open to practicing setting boundaries. 

Day 9: As advocates for equity and justice, it's critical to recognize the risk of experiencing violence is not shared equally. Young, Black, Indigenous, and racialized women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, women in Northern, rural, and remote areas, and those living with disabilities face higher threats, threats, risks, and incidents of gender-based violence. By acknowledging and being aware of these inequalities, we can focus our efforts on building a safer, more inclusive GBC community and world for everyone. It is especially important to recognize the ways that people experience violence and how it can impact those with disabilities as today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

Day 10: Recognizing the importance of these 16 Days of Activism against GBV is critical. Engaging everyone in the GBC community including engaging men and boys is even more critical. Most men and boys do not engage in violent behaviours and are needed as educators, advocators and allies to help change the culture. Men and boys can lead by example by continuing to cultivate healthy relationships with women, girls, non-binary people, and other men and by being willing to speak out whenever they witness or are informed of violence or harassment directed at others.  

Day 11: To help others, we must first be able to help ourselves. It is important that we are able to recognize triggers. If you, your friends, coworkers, classmates, or family is triggered by something you have seen, experienced or heard, seek supports. There is only strength in asking for help! If you are in crisis, seek support and reach out supports and services offered by GBC. Such as Counselling & Student Well-Being, The Office of Anti-Racism, Equity, and Human Rights Services, and Safewalk. 

Day 12: What can you do during these 16 days and beyond? Take action. Be a helpful bystander. There are very various you can be an active bystander. For example, if you see something, say something! You can also enact the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention.  Learn safe ways you can intervene if gender-based violence is happening around you, or is reported to you. Take a Bystander Intervention Workshop at GBC! Where you will learn about the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention and how to safely intervene if you witness sexual harassment or sexual violence both on and off campus. 

Day 13: On the 13th day of 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, we want to highlight and promote the importance of gender diversity in workplaces. Having folks with  diverse gender identities in the teams and classes, particularly in leadership roles, can foster safer work environments, less harassment, bullying and sexism – which can all be a +

Day 14: We want to uplift and celebrate the achievements of positive role models around us both within our community and outside it. It’s important to see others who look and act like us succeeding. Role models that reflect a range of genders, ages, and ethnicities, such as community leaders, celebrities, peers, athletes, Indigenous elders, or teachers, help engage youth.

Day 15: One way you can help end gender-based violence is to support and learn more about GBV support services, such as shelters, in your area and community. The most dangerous time for a survivor is when they try to leave their abuser. Shelters have resources and training to help victims leave safely.