16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

November 25, 2022 - Defence Stories

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual, international campaign that takes place from November 25^th until December 10^th. It invites Canadians and people worldwide to prevent and eliminate all types of gender-based violence (GBV) through action and education.

This campaign was started in 1991 as a means to call out and challenge gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. It comprises the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) and Human Rights Day (December 10). In Canada, we also observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women during the 16 Days to remember the tragic mass shooting and the women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.

During these 16 Days, we encourage all members of the Defence Team to reflect on the impacts of gender-based violence, learn the signs of GBV, and stand in solidarity with Canadians and people around the world who have experienced it first-hand.

Here are some references and resources to help you in this important fight.

What is gender-based violence

• What is gender-based violence? - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Discover what is gender-based violence, key statistics on gender-based violence in Canada, and a chronology on how to prevent and address gender-based violence.

• Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre- Women and Gender Equality Canada

Learn about the federal strategy It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence and access information, resources and research related to gender-based violence.

• The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Discover the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV NAP) that was launched on November 9. The vision for the GBV NAP is a Canada free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors, and their families, no matter where they live.

• Fact sheet: Intimate partner violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Learn more about a prevalent form of gender-based violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as spousal or domestic violence.

• Fact sheet: Family violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Discover what is family violence and its many forms, and how it affects people.

• Recognizing and responding to domestic violence

Increase your awareness of domestic violence and its impacts, how to recognize it and its warning signs.

16 Days of Activism

• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2022 - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Learn different ways to get involved in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

• Awareness and education toolkit for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Consult the awareness and education toolkit for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to learn more about activities and engagement for communities and workplaces, and activities for educators and coaches.

Support for victims, survivors and their families

• Get help following an incident of sexual misconduct

If you, or someone you know has experienced an incident of sexual misconduct, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence offer many services that can provide you with immediate care, support, or medical assistance.

• Seek help and offer assistance - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Resources on how to seek help in cases of gender-based violence, safely respond and offer assistance, and report child abuse situations.

• Supporting friends who may be in abusive relationships

Consult the Health and Wellness Tip Sheet from the Canadian Armed Forces Morale and Welfare Services on how to support a friend who may be in abusive relationships.

• Decision Tree: Supporting a Friend Experiencing Family Violence

Consult the Health and Wellness Tip Sheet Decision Tree Canadian Armed Forces Morale and Welfare Services to help you supporting a friend experiencing family violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence of any form, a range of support services are available to you and to those who support you.