Gender-Based Violence Prevention Support Plan & Trauma-Informed Toolkit
Empowering Mi’kmaq and Indigenous communities through culturally grounded and trauma-informed care.
This toolkit has been developed through an Indigenous lens and a holistic approach—addressing the healing of mind, body, and spirit. It centers on community-based and community-led solutions to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and support those affected.
Designed for those ready to lead this important work, the toolkit aims to:
Raise awareness about GBV prevention
Promote training and sensitization for service providers
Strengthen community responses to GBV
Empower Indigenous women and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community
Support survivors by meeting their protection, health, and psychological needs
While this toolkit was created to empower Mi’kmaq communities, it is adaptable and intended to be useful across all Indigenous and rural communities. Make this toolkit your own.
This toolkit is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada
Ask Yourself:
How can I, along with my family and community, strengthen our response to and prevent Gender-Based Violence?
What to Keep in Mind:
Integrate culturally grounded, trauma-informed approaches in your work.
Maintain confidentiality with clear limits to build trust within your community.
Engage non-community supports and resources when needed to better address GBV.
Tailor this toolkit to your community’s unique strengths and needs.
This Toolkit Will Help You:
Respond to clients, survivors, and situations with sensitivity
Increase the safety of victims and survivors
Provide information about available resources and options
Make effective and timely referrals to specialized services
Encourage survivors to take action toward ending violence and starting positive change
“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how brave its warriors or how strong it’s weapons. The fight for ending violence against Aboriginal women is not a women’s issue, it is integral to Aboriginal rights, sovereignty, nationhood, our rights to culture, our way of living and ultimately to our survival as a people.”
-Cheyenne Proverb
Art by Wabimeguil Fine
Art by Cody Houle
