Understanding Gender Based Violence

The Roots of Gender-Based Violence

Violence against Indigenous women and gender-diverse people is deeply connected to colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural genocide. These historic and ongoing harms have created multigenerational patterns of behaviour, beliefs, and attitudes that weaken the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

According to the United Nations, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at a person because of their gender. It is rooted in:

  • Gender inequality

  • Abuse of power

  • Harmful social norms

GBV disproportionately affects women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people. It can include:

  • Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse

  • Economic control or deprivation

  • Threats, coercion, and manipulation

  • Violence in both public and private spaces

(UWACR, UN Women)

Art by: Lexee Lindberg

“When we are born our spirits are pure and whole. During our journey through life, our spirit may encounter abuse and neglect. Everyone has the right to have their spirit protected, and the responsibility to take care of the sacredness of life.”

— Kanawayhitowin

What GBV Looks Like

Gender-Based Violence includes any harm, behaviour, or practice targeting someone because of their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. This may involve:

  • Physical violence

  • Domestic or intimate partner abuse

  • Sexual assault

  • Psychological abuse

  • Cyber abuse or online harassment

  • Economic abuse or control

GBV is made worse by systemic inequalities such as:

  • Colonialism and racism

  • Sexism

  • Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

  • Ableism and classism

  • Poverty

  • Collective histories of trauma

GBV is a violation of human rights, an abuse of power, and it is preventable.

Art by: Betty Albert

The Impact of GBV

The effects can be devastating—both immediately and over time—impacting physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Survivors may experience:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Difficulty engaging with others, communities, or services

How survivors are treated after the violence is critical to their healing. Insensitive responses from services or systems can cause further harm and slow recovery.

Art by: Betty Albert

Who Is Most at Risk

While violence can affect anyone, certain groups face higher risks due to overlapping forms of oppression, including:

  • Women and girls

  • Indigenous women and girls

  • 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members

  • Gender-diverse individuals

  • Women in Northern, rural, and remote communities

  • Women living with disabilities

When multiple risk factors are present, vulnerability to violence increases.

Art by: Simone McLeod

Moving Forward Together

Addressing Gender-Based Violence requires:

  • Confidentiality (within limits) to build trust

  • Consistency in action to show long-term commitment

  • Community tools and resources—like this toolkit—to support change

Art by: Simone McLeod