Ending gender-based violence begins with understanding
Ending gender-based violence begins with understanding
68% of clients that come to Nellie’s are fleeing gender-based violence. This is why we continue to work tirelessly to ensure violence and oppression become a relic of the past.
What is gender-based violence?
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is the violence or abuse directed against a person because of their gender, or violence that affects a particular gender disproportionately.
Women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people are at a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence because it is rooted in gender inequality and the abuse of power.
Gender-based violence includes all forms of abuse. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial, such as:
- Hitting, pushing, or blocking
- Stalking or criminal harassment
- Rape or sexual assault
- Control and manipulation
- Preventing access to money or bank accounts
- Neglect, like restricting food or other essentials
- Name-calling or body shaming
If you or someone you know is experiencing anything like this, we can help.
Why do women stay?
Gender-based violence often takes place in homes and private spaces, hidden behind closed doors. Complex feelings, threats, and circumstances can make it very difficult to escape.
Someone being abused may feel trapped by one or many of these concerns:
- Fear of reprisal or escalating violence
- Reluctance to break up the family
- Worry over their child(ren)’s welfare or losing custody
- Lack of money, job skills, or opportunities
- Loss of pets, property, or possessions
- Fear of being alone
- Cultural and religious beliefs
- Pressure from family and friends
- Shame and embarrassment
- Belief in the abuser’s promises to change
- Limited knowledge of the criminal justice system
Viewed from outside, leaving an abusive situation may seem easy or obvious, but the unknown consequences of leaving can be terrifying.
To best support survivors, we must show compassion and approach every individual with empathy, respecting their unique experiences and needs.
Gender-based violence is increasing
Although gender-based violence is often unseen, thousands of women and children live it every year.
Some women are at an increased risk of gender-based violence because of the additional discrimination, oppression, and barriers they face. This includes Indigenous women and girls, women with a disability, newcomer women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and racialized women. Young women under age 25 also report higher levels of intimate partner violence.
Gender-based violence in Canada
of people know a woman who has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
women and girls were killed by violence in 2022, up from 148 in 2019
women and girls ages 12 and up reported intimate partner violence to police in 2022
of women report experiencing some form of psychological, physical, or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
women and adults of another gender (excluding men) stayed in a shelter for victims of abuse in 2020/2021
children stayed in a shelter for victims of abuse with one of their parents in 2020/2021
28,787 women and adults of another gender (excluding men) stayed in a shelter for victims of abuse in 2020/2021*
You can help us end gender-based violence.
Nellie’s is working to dismantle gender-based violence by empowering women and advocating for systemic change.
Our strength and support-based programming enables women to create a new path in life, free from the barriers of violence and oppression.