Federal progress report 2022–2024

Executive Summary

Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in Canada and disproportionately affects women, girls, and marginalized groups including Indigenous women, racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those in rural or remote areas. Gender-based violence has a deep impact on individuals, families, and communities, leading to negative health, social, and economic outcomes that can last generations. In 2017, Canada announced It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (the Federal GBV Strategy). This framework for action made addressing gender-based violence a national priority and established a comprehensive, collaborative approach to address the root causes of gender-based violence, support survivors, and promote systemic change.

This report covers the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 fiscal years and summarizes actions and investments under the Federal GBV Strategy across the Government of Canada’s departments and agencies. It outlines strategic investments of over $820 million, with an additional $44 million annually, and highlights the collective ambition to create a Canada free from gender-based violence.

Some key achievements during the reporting period include advancements in public awareness campaigns, the development of trauma-informed support services, targeted funding for Indigenous-led initiatives, and significant legal reforms. Additionally, groundbreaking research and data collection initiatives continue to inform evidence-based policies and practices.

Looking forward, the Federal GBV Strategy and the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence provide a roadmap for Canada’s commitment to end gender-based violence and realize a future where all individuals live free from violence. In the coming years, the Federal GBV Strategy will continue to guide federal efforts to achieve this goal while adapting to changing needs and new priorities. Areas for further action include:

• expanding culturally appropriate, survivor-centered supports
• strengthening partnerships with communities, organizations, and governments
• driving innovative and evidence-based solutions to address emerging forms of violence

The Government of Canada remains dedicated to strengthening collaboration among governments, communities, and organizations, while amplifying the voices of survivors and addressing systemic barriers. As this work evolves, the vision of a Canada free of gender-based violence remains at the forefront—a future where all individuals can live in dignity, safety, and equality.

Introduction

Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted issue that involves violence against people based on their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. Gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls. Some groups that are at risk of gender-based violence, or are underserved when they experience it, include: Indigenous women and girls; Black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexually and gender-diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people; women, girls, and gender diverse people with disabilities; and women living in northern, rural, and remote communities.

Launched in 2017, It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (the Federal GBV Strategy) marked the Government of Canada’s framework for addressing gender-based violence. It takes a whole-of-government approach to improve health, social, and justice outcomes for those impacted. Since 2017, the Government of Canada invested more than $820 million—plus an ongoing $44 million annually—toward ending gender-based violence across the country.

On November 9, 2022, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence was launched by federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for the Status of Women.^{Footnote 1}  The launch marked a historic step toward fulfilling a long-standing commitment of  Federal-Provincial-Territorial governments to work together and end gender-based violence in Canada.

The vision of the 10-year action plan is a Canada free of gender-based violence, where victims, survivors, and their families are supported—no matter where they live. To achieve this vision, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence provides a coordinated framework to address and prevent violence and support those affected.

Women and Gender Equality Canada worked with provincial and territorial governments to establish bilateral agreements that support each jurisdiction’s work to end gender-based violence. These agreements are available on WAGE’s website, along with annual national progress reports for the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The Federal GBV Strategy is the federal government’s contribution to the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

The Federal GBV Strategy has three pillars: Preventing Gender-based Violence; Supporting Victims, Survivors and their Families; and Promoting a Responsive Justice System. Efforts within these pillars range from changing social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence to enhancing support for victims and advocating evidence-based policies that address the diverse needs of communities.

This report outlines work undertaken in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 under the Federal GBV Strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence in Canada. This work not only addresses those affected by violence, but also aims to dismantle the systemic barriers and cultural attitudes that allow gender-based violence to continue.

As we support the voices of victims, survivors, and their families from coast to coast to coast, their resilience demands action. As we drive forward innovative, evidence-based solutions to prevent and address gender-based violence across Canada, this work continues to, challenge systemic barriers, and build a future where everyone can live free from violence to create a Canada without gender-based violence.

Years in review and key achievements

In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the Federal GBV Strategy partners made progress in many important areas. They:

Continued to work closely with Indigenous partners to ensure culturally appropriate services, addressing the root causes of violence among Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This included implementing a $55 million investment over five years to boost the capacity of organizations providing gender-based violence prevention programming.

Enhanced data collection and reporting methods to provide Canadians with up-to-date information, such as by increasing sample size to enable increased disaggregated and intersectional data. This work supports evidence-based decision making and effective planning of several initiatives.

Funded more than ten research projects to close gaps in services for victims, survivors, and their families, while supporting the development of promising practices and innovative approaches to prevent gender-based violence.

Strengthened the capacity of non-profit organizations through funding community projects that foster connections between grassroots groups and all levels of government.

Developed training materials, toolkits and resources for service providers, law enforcement, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners.

Adapted existing training and resources to digital formats, expanding access to essential tools across the country for frontline personnel including police officers and support workers.

Continued a public awareness campaign, using digital resources and events to reach diverse groups, including youth and military personnel.

Prioritized support for diverse communities, including 2SLGBTQI+ people, immigrants, refugees, and Indigenous Veterans. Resources were tailored to address groups’ unique experiences.

Concluded critical emergency funding that successfully provided essential support for gender-based violence organizations and crisis hotlines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research and data collection

Existing data on gender-based violence understates how severe and widespread it is. This is largely because victims and survivors often do not want to report it due to stigma, shame, fear, and systemic issues, which may lead them not to trust the justice system. The Government of Canada continues to invest in improving data collection to ensure it is more representative. In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, WAGE led a range of research and data collection activities to address gender-based violence in Canada. They included broad partnership research, community-based projects, targeted data collection, and promoting knowledge mobilization – all of which were designed to improve services, and increase supports for people impacted by gender-based violence.

Gender-based Violence Research Initiative

In 2022–2023, WAGE and Statistics Canada partnered with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to co-fund the Gender-based Violence Research Initiative. Together, WAGE and Statistics Canada awarded six grants of $400,000 to $700,000 for four-year research partnerships between post-secondary institutions and partners from the non-profit, public, and/or private sectors. These partnerships aimed to help create new knowledge, build capacity, and promote knowledge mobilization on critical issues relating to gender-based violence in Canada. The funded projects will produce research on:

• access to justice for Indigenous women, girls, trans and Two-Spirit people
• transitional housing for victims and survivors of violence
• experiences of gender-based violence by women facing homelessness and housing insecurity
• rates of economic abuse among people experiencing intimate partner violence, and how to improve social, legal, and criminal justice supports
• improving access to justice for victims and survivors of violence during reproductive care in Canada

Knowledge Synthesis Grants on Gender-based Violence

Along with supporting new research partnerships, WAGE and SSHRC focused on bringing together existing knowledge to shape policy and practice. In 2023–2024, the two entities partnered to launch the Knowledge Synthesis Grants competition. It aimed to synthesize and promote the use of existing knowledge on gender-based violence.

Through the competition, 32 Knowledge Synthesis Grants were issued. The resulting collection of gender-based violence evidence briefs highlights research findings and their relevance to key policy areas. Read the published reports.

Community-based research to address gender-based violence

WAGE dedicated $2.6 million for community-based research grants. The grants support gender-based violence organizations in collecting data and conducting research to produce evidence and knowledge. This will allow them to better serve at-risk or underserved groups. WAGE announced the call for proposals in 2022–2023. It focused on projects that will produce knowledge to help improve services for Black and racialized women; immigrant, refugee, and newcomer women; women with disabilities; Indigenous women; and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

As of 2023–2024, WAGE was supporting 22 community-driven and action-oriented projects under this initiative.

For example, the Community-Based Research Centre received funding for a two-year project to improve gender-based violence services for 2SLGBTQI+ people served by the Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia. This participatory, arts-based research project will address gaps in knowledge about the needs and experiences of gender-based violence victims and survivors who are 2SLGBTQI+.

Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces, cycle 2

In 2022–2023, WAGE worked with Statistics Canada to engage over 100 partners on shaping the second cycle of the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces. Partners included gender-based violence survivors, academics, researchers, and community-based organizations serving people who have experienced violence.

In 2023-24, Statistics Canada developed and tested the questionnaire. To improve data quality and availability in the second cycle, the overall sample size will be increased, and specific groups (e.g. Indigenous Peoples, gender minorities, and youth) will be oversampled to allow for more disaggregated breakdown of data and better analysis.

Data collection began in fall 2024, and initial findings from the survey will be reported in 2025–2026.

Femicide database

The Femicide Information System (FIS) plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the nature of femicides and gender-related homicides in Canada. It identifies key areas for future research and provides an analytical foundation to determine whether such crimes should be classified as distinct offenses requiring special consideration by policymakers.

FIS reports examine national and systemic contexts and establish links between social, geographical, economic trends, and court data to uncover patterns in gender-related homicides^{Footnote 2} .

Between 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, WAGE worked with Statistics Canada on the Femicide Information System. This three-year project will run from 2022 to 2025 and will help broaden the understanding of police-reported incidents of gender-based violence.

In 2024, Statistics Canada published a variety of articles in Juristat. They covered topics such as:

• gender-related homicide of women and girls in Canada
• court outcomes in homicides of Indigenous women and girls from 2009 to 2021
• court outcomes for gender-related homicide of women and girls in Canada from 2009 to 2021

Juristat also introduced a new definition for gender-related homicide in Canada:

• Was an intimate partner or family member of the victim
• Inflicted sexual violence on the victim as part of the killing
• Killed a victim who was identified as a sex worker

By incorporating a specific set of indicators, the term gender-related homicide establishes precise parameters for conducting comprehensive research in the Canadian context.

Pillar 1: Preventing gender-based violence

To change attitudes, behaviours, and systems that contribute to gender-based violence, it takes ongoing and focused efforts. Much of the work in gender-based violence prevention addresses root causes and underlying risk factors. Research, outreach, education, and other supportive activities are vital to preventing gender-based violence across different settings.

The WAGE Website and Gender-based Violence Knowledge Centre

Since the launch of WAGE’s Gender-based Violence Knowledge Centre website in December 2018, it has experienced a remarkable growth in its unique page views. From 2021 to 2022, the site attracted 75,883 unique page views. This number increased by 9.96%, reaching 83,364 page views in 2022-2023. The most significant surge occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the page views rose to 138,348 marking an impressive 65.96% increase from the previous year. This substantial growth demonstrates the website's increasing appeal and highlights the effectiveness of recent strategies in driving audience engagement.

Since 2019, the Gender-based Violence Knowledge Centre has hosted events providing valuable information and resources on gender-based violence to 6,239 participants. In 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Knowledge Centre hosted 15 events that aligned with the National Action Plan to End GBV outcomes. These focused events resulted in a 23.5% increase in attendance in 2023-2024 compared to the previous year.

Preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund

Since 2018, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) supported projects that develop sector-specific and culturally sensitive tools, resources, and training materials on workplace harassment and violence prevention for federally regulated workplaces across Canada.

In 2023–2024, ESDC approved seven new projects through the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund. They reached more Indigenous communities and sectors, including telecommunications, railway and air transportation, and uranium mining.

The fund also supported the creation of aftermetoo, a website that provides information and resources for people experiencing gender-based violence in Canada.

Preventing technology-facilitated violence

What is technology-facilitated violence?

Technology-facilitated violence (also called cyberviolence) includes a range of behaviours that use technology to harm others, either online or in person. It aims to threaten, harass, bully, embarrass, assault, extort, coerce, torment, or exclude a person through technology.

Digital Citizen Contribution Program

Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Contribution Program (DCCP) funds digital media and civic literacy, and research activities to build a deeper understanding of and stronger resilience to false information posted online.

In 2022–2023, the program launched three calls for proposals and funded a variety of activities to help strengthen Canadians’ resilience against harmful false information. For example, the program funded the Canadian Women’s Foundation to develop and share digital public awareness resources. These resources equipped women and Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people with tools to recognize, report, avoid, and deal with the negative impacts of gender-based hate speech as well as harassing, exploitative, and abusive digital and social media content. The program also supported the Canadian Council of Muslim Women in their Delete Digital Hate project. This awareness campaign focused on online hate, harassment, and abuse directed at racialized women, girls, and non-binary people. Through six interactive virtual sessions, Delete Digital Hate provided tools to stay safe and reduce vulnerability on online spaces and digital platforms.

In 2023–2024, the DCCP launched two calls for proposals and funded activities on false information online and other types of online harms with a focus on developing and publishing tools to prevent and address online violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence. For example, the DCCP funded a project by the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto Inc. to develop and publish online tools to prevent and address internet-based human trafficking affecting Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ community members. The program also supported Girls Incorporated of Northern Alberta for a project aiming to empower young girls living in Northern Alberta to mitigate the impact of false information and other related online harms and threats. To do so, it will provide tools to prevent and address online violence; create resources for children and parents; and build technical capacity among civil society organizations seeking to address false information, hate speech, and cyberbullying.

Expansion of strategy to prevent and address cyberbullying

Public Safety Canada received funding to implement a three-pronged approach to address and prevent bullying and cyberbullying among youth. The funding is used to support community-based intervention projects; research to better understand the rates of cyberbullying and how to prevent it; and tools and information for parents, caregivers, and educators to prevent and respond to cyberbullying.

In 2022–2023, Public Safety Canada supported the implementation and evaluation of community-based bullying/cyberbullying intervention projects through the Crime Prevention Action Fund. It also:

• published a literature review on families’ role in cyberbullying among children, youth, and young adults
• funded a Statistics Canada analysis of cyberbullying data
• developed infographics with Statistics Canada on cyberbullying among youth in Canada and cybervictimization among young adults in Canada

Public Safety Canada also launched the Online Dangers Roadshow—an in-person experience for grade 7 and 8 students. It aims to raise awareness of online dangers, including online sexual exploitation, sextortion, and cyberbullying. The Online Dangers Roadshow expanded from the Greater Toronto Area to schools in the Ottawa area. By the end of 2022–2023, the program had engaged 2,488 grade 7 and 8 students across 18 schools. A virtual adaptation will be developed and piloted in 2024–2025.

In 2023–2024, Public Safety Canada continued to support intervention, research, and awareness activities to address cyberbullying among children and youth. The community-based cyberbully prevention projects funded through the Crime Prevention Action Fund were ongoing. The department published a literature review on cyberbullying prevention and intervention initiatives for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, girls, and ethno-racially diverse youth. It also funded a Statistics Canada Daily article that analyzed online hate and aggression among young people in Canada and an infographic on young people and exposure to harmful online content in 2022. Finally, Public Safety publishes social media content about cyberbullying, which partners can share on their own channels.

Awareness campaign against child sexual exploitation

The National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy) was launched in 2004. It receives $27.15 million in ongoing annual funding. The National Strategy and the Federal GBV Strategy are complementary.

Prevention is a key pillar of the National Strategy. In 2023–2024, Public Safety Canada funded a project by White Ribbon—the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls—for their Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation Together: Responding to the Critical Need project. It included developing and providing resource materials and workshops in Ontario and Nova Scotia high schools to educate youth about the dangers of online child sexual exploitation. It also included developing culturally relevant resource and workshop materials for Indigenous and Black communities.  

Under the National Strategy, the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre is Canada’s law enforcement hub for online child sexual exploitation. In 2022–2023, Canada increased the number of Canadian victims of online child sexual exploitation found and added to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation database by approximately 24% from the previous year. In 2023–2024, Canada further increased this by approximately 16%. This surpasses the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre’s goal of a 10% increase per year.

Preventing family violence and engaging youth

The It’s Not Just youth awareness campaign

In September 2022, WAGE launched the It’s Not Just youth awareness campaign on gender-based violence. The campaign provides young Canadians vital information on what gender-based violence is, the different forms it takes, who can be affected, and how to help somebody experiencing it. It’s Not Just aims to empower Canadians aged 14 to 24. It also seeks to challenge and change the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.

To reach youth across Canada, WAGE worked with 13 partner organizations to create a series of physical and digital resources, including infographics, fact sheets, videos, and social media content. These assets were distributed to youth-serving organizations and schools. They were also shared via a digital advertising campaign from December 2023 to March 2024.

In addition, WAGE developed resources on topics such as sexual violence and consent, safe dating and healthy relationships, and technology-facilitated violence. These are available through five training modules, and answer common questions young people have about gender-based violence.

Interventions to prevent teen dating violence

In 2022–2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continued to manage agreements with 21 projects focused on preventing youth dating violence through the Preventing Gender-Based Violence: The Health Perspective program. These community-based action projects implemented and tested trauma-informed programming that promote knowledge and skills for lifelong healthy relationship. Projects reached over 10,000 youth and 1,000 adult service providers at schools, community centres, after-school activities, and sports leagues. The projects also created 199 new products and held 152 knowledge events to share and promote the use of new learnings and evidence.

Besides individual projects, PHAC supported the Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet) in creating a community of practice among the PHAC-funded teen dating violence prevention projects. The organization hosts regular meetings with members—both individually and as a group—including an in-person annual meeting in September 2022. It also held a series of meetings on topics of special interest, calls where members shared lessons learned, and five webinars. PREVNet’s Youth Advisory Committee provides guidance and creates resources, such as posters and animated videos.

Pride Guide 2022: Youth Strategies for Tackling Gender-Based Violence in our Schools

PHAC supported the Centre for Global Education in creating Pride Guide 2022: Youth Strategies for Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Our Schools. Released in September 2022, the guide shares strategies to address gender-based violence in schools. It highlights the challenges that Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ youth face. It also explores the importance of supportive teachers and staff. Finally, it offers educators advice on using inclusive language and providing support to 2SLGBTQI+ students.

Interventions to prevent family violence and its health impacts

During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, PHAC supported new projects through its Preventing and Addressing Family Violence—the Health Perspective program. The projects funded through this program provide and evaluate health promotion programs and actions that prevent family violence and improve health outcomes for survivors. These projects reach children, youth, older adults, and families affected by violence.

Besides individual projects, PHAC supported the Knowledge Hub Community of Practice, based at Western University. In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the community of practice held regular meetings with its members, individually and as a group. These meetings served to build and maintain connections and stay informed of current developments and challenges. Their website features public profiles of projects, as well as a members-only section with more resources. They also hosted a series in collaboration with Western University’s Learning Network. The Learning Network connects research, practice-based knowledge, and lived experience to strengthen support services in the gender-based violence sector.

Delivery of parenting interventions to prevent child maltreatment

In 2022–2023, PHAC continued to manage agreements with three projects on preventing child maltreatment through the Preventing Gender-based Violence: The Health Perspective program. This activity was phased out of the Federal GBV Strategy in 2023. However, projects continued.

These community-based intervention projects implemented and tested innovative parenting support programs by conducting intervention research. Together, they reached 631 service providers, created 35 new products, and held 25 knowledge events to share and promote the use of new learnings and evidence.

Preventing gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

Supporting systemic change to address missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

In 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. It is the Government of Canada’s contribution to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. The 2023–2024 Annual Progress Report highlights the progress made to contribute to the ultimate goal of reducing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Increasing the capacity of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to provide gender-based violence prevention programming

As a key deliverable under the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, WAGE committed $55 million over five years to increase the capacity of organizations serving Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people to provide gender-based violence prevention programming to address the root causes of violence.

As of 2023–2024, over 100 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations in all provinces and territories received funding. Early reporting showed that projects had initial results in the areas of networking and partnerships, organizational governance and financial health, cultural competency, and human resource management.

Under this initiative, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak is developing a Métis 2SLGBTQI+ National Action Plan to prevent and address gender-based violence, with representation from across the Métis Nation Motherland. The Tahiuqtiit Women’s Society is conducting a needs assessment, engaging people with lived experience, developing and implementing Inuit-centred policies and practices for women’s shelters, and sharing learnings with other women’s shelters. The Orillia Native Women’s Group is developing and implementing a community consultation plan and a strategic plan to address and prevent gender-based violence.

The Circle of Nations

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) established the Circle of Nations in 2017 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 57 to increase awareness of the history and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. One of the Circle’s core goals is to provide Indigenous cultural competency training to public servants at NRCan. This aligns with Calls for Justice 16.27 and 17.8, as well as Call for Miskotahâ 16.

Between 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the Circle offered 168 learning events for federal public servants. It also held 99 events for NRCan staff. Finally, the Elders in Residence attended and supported 168 meetings, Circles, and events for sectors within NRCan’s jurisdiction.

NRCan’s Elders in Residence Program

The Elders have a collective memory of history, treaties, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, teachings, songs, and ceremonies, which have been passed down for centuries. Currently, eight Elders make up NRCan’s Elders in Residence Program. These First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders play a vital role to build bridges and foster greater understanding and reconciliation at NRCan. The program is inclusive of 2SLGBTQI+ people and includes two Two-Spirit Elders. In 2023–2024, the Circle offered a series of Inuit teachings and offered three photo exhibitions that captured the residential school experience in collaboration with the Legacy of Hope Foundation.

Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects program

Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) funded 21 research projects that develop qualitative distinctions or identity-based indicators, address existing methodological gaps for underserved or underrepresented groups in data, or define safety through Indigenous ways of understanding.

Preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport

Safety in sport funding to national sport organizations

Through contribution agreements with Sport Canada (a division under Canadian Heritage), funding went toward providing access to an independent complaint mechanism to address cases of maltreatment, including harassment, abuse, and discrimination; providing mandatory training on maltreatment, including for coaches, athletes, officials, staff, and volunteers; and strengthening internal policies to align with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport, creating environments free from maltreatment.

Surveying current ethics, equity, and safety challenges in Canadian sport and shaping the future

In October 2022, Sport Canada renewed funding for data and research on gender equity (GE) and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in sport. With the GE and EDI research funding, Sport Canada funded the Survey on Ethics, Equity and Safety in Sport, which examines perceptions of the state of ethics, equity, and safety in Canadian sport. The Survey on Ethics, Equity and Safety in Sport targeted the general population, high-performance athletes, and members of national sport organizations. Building on insights from the 2020–2021 survey, this survey covered topics including discrimination; harassment; and other safety-, integrity-, and ethics-related matters in sport. The survey revealed top issues in Canadian sports, including sexism and harassment. The Survey on Ethics, Equity and Safety in Sport was published in September 2024.

Future of Sport in Canada Commission

In May 2024, Canadian Heritage launched the Future of Sport in Canada Commission. The Commission is performing an independent and forward-looking review of safe sport. Over 18 months, the Commission is engaging and seeking input from the sport community, including survivors and victims of maltreatment in sport. It has adopted a trauma-informed, human rights–based, and transparent process to develop recommendations for the Government of Canada to improve safety in sport in Canada.

Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities

In 2022, Canadian Heritage launched the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities – Reconciliation and Strength for Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples Through Sport program. Since its launch, it has funded 58 projects targeting one or more social development goals to build a world free of gender-based violence.

Preventing gender-based violence in the military

Prevention Research Initiative

During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the Department of National Defence (DND) ran a variety of projects to prevent gender-based violence in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The Prevention Research Initiative aims to improve sexual misconduct prevention in the CAF. It focuses on understanding the perpetration of sexual misconduct and developing response strategies, and recommending targeted training for groups at a higher risk of committing sexual misconduct and those managing cases.

DND launched a study to address gaps in knowledge about the perpetration of sexual misconduct in the CAF. DND also developed an outcome evaluation plan for the Building Our Future pilot program, a four-year curriculum to promote respect and prevent sexual misconduct. It was launched at the Royal Military College of Canada in fall 2023. The evaluation assesses changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours around sexual misconduct in general, as well as within the CAF. 

Pillar 2: Supporting victims, survivors, and their families

Federal partners in the Federal GBV Strategy work with diverse groups to better support victims, survivors, and their families. Their efforts prioritize victim-centred approaches that recognize and address the trauma and violence experienced. This ensures that services are sensitive to the needs of those affected.

WAGE’s Gender-based Violence Program

In 2017, WAGE established the Gender-based Violence Program. It aims to support organizations working in the gender-based violence sector in developing and implementing promising practices to address gaps in supports for Indigenous women and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, with $55 million over five years and $12 million ongoing to support organizations through the program.

Through this initial investment, WAGE supported over 60 projects dedicated to testing and developing promising practices, most of which were ongoing in 2023–2024. Examples of projects funded included promising practices that address:

• wraparound supports for survivors to foster safety, healing, and wellbeing
• initiatives to improve supports, identify risks, and address gaps in supports for survivors and their families
• interventions to enhance the capacity of service providers working with survivors
• support models that incorporate a coordinated response between partner organizations to address gender-based violence

For example, the BC Society of Transition Houses received $850,000 for a 38-month project that tested a remote training and mentorship program for shelter workers to better support vulnerable children and youth in northern, rural, and remote areas who have experienced and/or witnessed gender-based violence.

Since 2021, WAGE has invested nearly $105 million to enhance its Gender-based Violence Program. This funding supported initiatives that engage men and boys, and initiatives to stop human trafficking. It also provided support for testing and implementing best practices to address gender-based violence, with a focus on projects that could be scaled to the national level.

As of 2023–2024, 62 projects have been funded. For example, the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre received $627,842 for a 30-month project to scale the Next Gen Men program. Based in Yukon, Next Gen Men fills a support gap for boys aged 13 to 16. by offering after-school programming focused on anti-violence activism, allyship, harmful masculinity and norms, and comprehensive sexual education.

Providing support to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

In a Good Way

The Women’s Indigenous Network, the Talent Network (RCMP), the National Human Trafficking Section (Vulnerable Persons Unit, RCMP), and Maxwell Consulting Group are co-leading the In a Good Way: Restorative Justice Practices for Survivors of Human Trafficking initiative. The initiative involves reviewing restorative and alternative justice practices, conducting lived-experience interviews with survivors, and using their insights to shape restorative justice models. It also includes ongoing partnerships with national, regional, and local partners to implement and assess working models.

“In a good way” is a phrase commonly used in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. It expresses a commitment to due process, integrity, and finding holistic and cultural approaches. The project engages First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, as well as migrant workers who have experienced sexual and/or labour exploitation through human trafficking. In a Good Way offers survivors a unique opportunity to regain control, build leadership skills, experience justice that promotes healing, and prevent cycles of exploitation. It also broadens the healing experience to include community, family, and culture.

Supporting Indigenous victims, their loved ones, and communities

In 2023, the Government of Canada provided $95.8 million over five years and $20.4 million ongoing to expand support for families of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people, as well as Indigenous victims and survivors of crime. During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, this investment ensured the ongoing work of Family Information Liaison Units (FILU), which are in place in each province and territory. These teams ensure that families have access to culturally grounded support to help them overcome the systemic, structural, and geographic barriers they face when seeking to access information about their loved ones. Since their establishment in 2016, FILUs helped thousands of family members across the country.

The funding also enhanced the Community Support and Healing for Families initiative to ensure that families of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people have access to community-based, Indigenous-led support to help them with the grief and trauma of their loss.

This announcement also included a new investment to increase access to Indigenous-led or co-developed services and supports for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime. Together, these new initiatives increased access to services where gaps remain, including support for Indigenous victims of gender-based violence.

Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program

CIRNAC funded 33 projects that provide assistance and services for the healing journeys of Indigenous family members and survivors who have missing or lost loved ones due to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This initiative directly responds to Calls for Justice 3.7, 5.6, and 17.20. It also responds to the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which calls for direct supports to help families and survivors with funding to address the trauma of their experiences.

As outlined in the 2023–2024 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report, an additional $4 million was allocated for more projects, including support for:

• the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee to build a commemorative monument, reminding community members that their women have not been forgotten and that survivors are not alone
• Pauktuutit to work with an advisory group of families and survivors, including elders and youth from across Inuit Nunangat and urban cities, to develop culturally relevant activities that support Inuit families and survivors
• the Métis Central Western Region II to work with 24 families over two years in an intensive manner that honours unique cultural, linguistic, and traditional identities

National Indigenous–Federal–Provincial–Territorial Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

In January 2023, the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations convened the first-ever National Indigenous–Federal–Provincial–Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ People. This roundtable facilitates a national dialogue on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people, with a focus on how to improve cross jurisdictional collaboration, discuss areas of success, and highlight areas of future focus related to MMIWG, including the perspectives from Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, family members and survivors. A second convening of the Indigenous–Federal–Provincial–Territorial Roundtable took place on February 7–8, 2024. This is supported by an investment of $2.5 million over five years starting in 2023 to CIRNAC to establish a permanent National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Supporting military members, Defence employees, families, and veterans

The Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program aimed to fill gaps in support services for those impacted by sexual misconduct within the defence community. It did so by funding initiatives at sexual assault centres to improve CAF members’ access to civilian sexual assault centres near the 10 largest bases in Canada. With funding from the Federal GBV Strategy, DND also enhanced Family Violence Teams and supported community-based service providers who help CAF members affected by sexual misconduct, as well as their families. In March 2023, the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program replaced the Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program. This new program funded nine centres that implemented nearly 250 initiatives, reaching close to 1,500 people in the defence community. The program’s accomplishments included offering counselling services, providing educational workshops, improving resource navigation and community referrals, and creating resource guides, among other support activities.

In 2022–2023, DND dispersed $1,982,657 to fund 32 projects that provided a wide range of services. These included resource navigation, research, peer support, outreach, counselling, education, meditation, retreats, legal assistance, mentorship, capacity building, crisis lines, restorative justice, and horse therapy. These services reached more than 600 members of the wider defence community in the call’s first year.

In 2023–2024, the program launched a second call for proposals, which prioritized underserved and remote locations. Eleven new projects received funding in this round. The 32 projects that were funded in 2022–2023 began implementation, and of those, nine one-time projects concluded.

The Peer Support Program

In 2022–2023, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) at DND and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), continued to develop the Peer Support Program’s services, protocols, intake process, and forms after community consultations in 2021. That year, the program hired and trained its first two peer supporters to co-facilitate services for affected members aged 18 and older.

The Peer Support Program is being introduced in phases. In summer 2023, the program launched a second service, the Formal Peer Support Group. The current services now consist of formal and informal peer support groups. All services are available online in English and French.

• The formal group provides a structured setting that combines educational content with peer support. It allows participants to explore themes related to their experiences and healing journey. Topics include the impacts of trauma, moral injury, coping strategies, and self-care.
• The informal group offers a casual, confidential, and safe space where peers can connect to share and discuss their healing journey in a supportive environment. Participants’ interests and needs shape group discussions.

Enhanced gender-based violence supports for immigrants and refugees

During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued to support the Gender-Based Violence Settlement Sector Strategy Partnership. This aimed to increase frontline settlement workers’ capacity to spot and respond to gender-based violence. It included appropriate referrals for newcomers and refugees to other community supports. This cross-sector collaboration also supports the development of consistent gender-based violence policies and protocols, as well as training that is culturally competent and trauma-informed.

To date, over 1,200 settlement sector staff have completed the bilingual Bridges to Safety online training. It has improved settlement workers’ capacity to effectively respond to gender-based violence and to adopt a preventative, awareness-raising approach in engaging with newcomers on this issue. The Partnership continues to advance best practices that address emerging gender-based violence issues for these sectors. It also continues to provide effective resources for partners, such as gender-based violence awareness workshops across the country. In addition, the project website continues to be a hub of resources for settlement organizations. Over 16,000 people have accessed it since its development.

Developing training and resources on gender-based violence, trauma-informed care, and safety planning

PHAC provides funding for projects through its Preventing Gender-based Violence: The Health Perspective program.

In 2022–2023, PHAC continued to manage agreements with eight projects through the equipping providers to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence funding stream. These projects teach professionals—including healthcare staff, coaches, social workers, and teachers—to spot and respond to gender-based violence using trauma- and violence-informed practices.

Supporting populations through housing, shelters, and infrastructure

National Housing Strategy

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a key barrier to those seeking to leave and/or remain out of abusive situations. For gender-based violence victims and survivors, access to shelters, transitional housing, support services, and affordable long-term housing is central to being able to leave violent situations.

The National Housing Strategy (NHS) prioritizes housing for those in greatest need including women and children leaving situations of  gender-based violence. As such, there are targeted investments to meet women’s and children’s housing needs. As of March 31, 2024, the NHS has committed funding for 3,383 new units for gender-based violence survivors and 15,251 new units for women and their children, as well as the repair of 1,955 units for gender-based violence survivors and 31,769 units for women and their children.

The Rapid Housing Initiative has created over 5,200 new affordable housing units, with at least 25% focused on women’s housing projects.

The Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) received $315.4 million in 2021 for survivors of gender-based violence, aligning with the principles of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is in the process of negotiating agreements with provinces and territories to provide and cost-match the additional federal funding for gender-based violence survivors through the CHB. By the end of the 2023–2024 fiscal year, agreements for additional funding were signed with three provinces and territories.

Through the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy, CMHC and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) worked with Indigenous partners violence prevention strategy to expand culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. As a direct result, the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched in November 2021. The initiative will lead to more Indigenous-led emergency shelters and transition homes across Canada, including in urban centres and the North. As of March 31, 2024, $159.34 million has been committed to build 20 shelters and 14 transitional homes.

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program launched in 2019 as part of the NHS.^{Footnote 3}  It aims to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada, including supporting people experiencing gender-based violence. The Government of Canada is investing $4 billion in this initiative, which provides funding to urban, Indigenous, rural, and remote communities to address local homelessness needs. Funding is provided through four main streams: Designated Communities, Indigenous Homelessness, Rural and Remote Homelessness, and Territorial Homelessness. In addition, the Distinctions-Based Approaches stream supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, addressing these communities’ unique needs.

In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the program continued to provide funding to communities to support projects on preventing and reducing homelessness. This included funding for activities to promote a better understanding of homelessness in Canada and to support coordinated access to data and resources. Since Reaching Home was launched in 2019, over 163,000 people across Canada received homelessness prevention supports such as emergency short-term rental assistance or landlord/family mediation, and over 93,000 people were assisted in attaining more stable housing. In addition, 77% of individuals contacted a year or more later had remained housed or successfully exited the program.

Rural Transit Solutions Fund

Investing in public transit helps groups at risk of gender-based violence to access services safely and securely. In rural and remote areas, reliable transit can be crucial for people leaving violent situations and connecting to community supports.

Launched in 2021, the Rural Transit Solutions Fund supports locally led transit projects that make it easier for people in these areas to access essential services. The fund also aims to improve safety for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by providing access to secure transit systems. At the end of 2023–2024, the Government of Canada had contributed $34.5 million to fund 32 projects led by Indigenous recipients. This includes funding to support the improvement of a transit service from Watson Lake to Whitehorse and Dawson City, in Yukon. Funding also supports the improvement of transit for the on- and off-reserve members of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak in Saskatchewan.

Supporting a safe workplace in law enforcement

Preventing and addressing gender-based harassment, violence, and discrimination in the RCMP workplace

Creating a healthy and inclusive workplace free of harassment, violence, and discrimination is a key priority for RCMP reform. In June 2021, the Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution was created to address and prevent workplace harassment. This centralized, independent unit uses non-RCMP investigators to investigate harassment complaints from RCMP employees.

In November 2021, the Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution expanded, forming the Victim Support Services Unit to provide enhanced support for employees, victims, and survivors. It received 408 notices of occurrence in 2022 and 275 by September 2023. The Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution follows up to ensure all post-investigation recommendations are implemented. It has also increased its focus on awareness-raising and education initiatives to prevent harassment.

Supporting victims and survivors of maltreatment in sport

Abuse-Free Sport program and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner

In June 2022, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada launched the Abuse-Free Sport program with funding from the Government of Canada. The program includes the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner, which handles complaints related to violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. Besides independently managing complaints, the Abuse-Free Sport program provides a helpline, legal aid, mental health services, a registry, education and prevention resources and services, and sport environment assessments.

Since July 1, 2023, all federally funded national sport organizations, multisport service organizations, and Canadian Olympic and Paralympic sport centres and institutes are required to sign on to the Abuse-Free Sport program to qualify for Sport Canada funding. This list represents approximately 90 national organizations.

Ending exploitation of children

Enhanced support for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to address child sexual exploitation

As part of the National Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, Public Safety Canada continues to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid. This innovative, victim-focused set of tools aims to stop the growing spread of child sexual abuse material online. Launched in 2017, Project Arachnid combines automated child sexual abuse material detection with a global team of dedicated analysts to rapidly issue removal notices to electronic service providers. Through its notification service, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection aims to increase compliance among hosting providers to take down flagged material within 24 hours.

Pillar 3: Promoting a responsive justice system

Reporting gender-based violence and navigating the legal process can be challenging and often retraumatizing. This is especially true for victims and survivors who are Indigenous, are racialized, have a disability, are part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, or are newcomers to Canada. Progress has been made; however, efforts to enhance support and ensure a more responsive system must continue.

Resources for law enforcement

Trauma-informed police guide

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Victims of Crime Committee met in October 2021, where members proposed developing a national trauma-informed framework for police in Canada. The RCMP committed funding to support the initiative. The CACP approved the resolution to create the framework in July 2022. RCMP representatives from the Canadian Police College, E Division and the Vulnerable Persons Unit, along with other CACP Victims of Crime Committee members, are part of the trauma-informed framework for police working group.

Development of the trauma-informed framework for police began in January 2022. In March 2024, committee members received the translated framework  and work to determine next steps will follow.

Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committees

Since 2019, the RCMP’s National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards has led the development and oversight of the Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committee (SAIRC) program. To establish each committee, the National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards provided a two-day, in-person training session. As of November 2022, a SAIRC has been created in every division where the RCMP has jurisdiction.

Each SAIRC includes professionals and advocates for sexual assault victims. They critically review investigations to provide case-specific recommendations. This may lead to reclassification, reopening, or other investigative actions for cases found to have shortcomings that may impact the investigation results. The committees also make broad recommendations to improve the RCMP’s response to sexual assault complaints and enhance related policies, procedures, and training.

Since the SAIRCs launched, the external committees have reviewed 900 cases. The National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards has also independently reviewed 1,615 sexual offence investigations. It did so for several reasons, including recommendations from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, proactive internal reviews, and division or detachment requests.

In partnership with the Canadian Police College, the National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards has been developing an eight day, in-person Advanced Sexual Offence Investigator’s Course. The course will be available to police agencies in Canada and around the world.

Training opportunities and continuing education for RCMP

In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the RCMP introduced a range of training programs and events to strengthen skills in investigating sexual offences, human trafficking, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups.

The National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards developed a new online course on sexual offence investigations, which was made available to RCMP employees in 2022. In 2024, the course became mandatory for all frontline and operational contract division members who may be involved in investigating or supervising sexual offence complaints.

The National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards also created and runs a five-day, in-person workshop on sexual offence investigations. It is delivered upon request by divisions or detachments. In 2023–2024, the National Office of Sexual Offence Investigative Standards ran the workshop in divisions covering the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.

On November 7–8, 2023, the RCMP’s National Human Trafficking Section hosted a two-day Human Trafficking Coordinator Symposium for divisional coordinators from across Canada.

The event supported the National Human Trafficking Section’s goal to develop a coordinated approach to law enforcement efforts on human trafficking and work with internal partners to leverage best practices and initiatives.

On March 6, 2023, the RCMP’s Vulnerable Persons Unit hosted a Men and Boys Conference for law enforcement and the Canadian military. It discussed human trafficking and sexual exploitation of men and boys. Training participants included local police services, as well as partners from the Canada Border Services Agency, the CAF, and Public Safety Canada. The training covered topics such as male victimization, cyber trends in Canada, the needs of male survivors, trauma-informed policing, and vicarious trauma. The RCMP has begun preparing for future training sessions.

Legal resources for victims and survivors

Canadian Victims Bill of Rights wallet card

As part of the RCMP’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and strengthen processes around the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), the Vulnerable Persons Unit developed a national victims’ rights card. The Unit designed a wallet-sized card that outlines the four primary rights under the CVBR (Right to Information; Right to Protection; Right to Participation; and, Right to Seek Restitution), provides basic information about victim services, and includes space for officers and other contacts to add their information as needed.

These cards will help victims understand their rights throughout the criminal justice process. They will also improve frontline members’ awareness of their obligations under the CVBR. The cards are available in both official languages on the Victims’ Rights in Canada web page and divisions received paper copies at the start of the fiscal year.

Independent legal advice and representation for survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence

In 2021, the federal government invested $32.5 million over five years to support Independent Legal Advice and Representation projects for sexual assault survivors. This funding is provided through the Victims Fund and supports initiatives by provincial and territorial governments, legal clinics, legal associations, and public legal education and information organizations. In both 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, 22 projects across 13 jurisdictions received funding to provide free independent legal advice and representation to victims and survivors of sexual assault.

Also in 2021, Justice Canada received $16.25 million over five years to support Independent Legal Advice and Representation services for intimate partner violence survivors across Canada. This funding is provided through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, and to date, 18 projects have been funded in 11 provinces and territories. Funding recipients include provincial and territorial governments as well as non-governmental community organizations.

As of 2023–2024, 50 targeted services have become available to survivors of intimate partner violence. Services include independent legal advice, legal representation, legal navigation, and comprehensive wraparound supports. These services aim to reduce retraumatization when survivors engage with the justice system. They also seek to enhance confidence in the justice system’s response to gender-based violence.

Other supports for survivors of intimate partner violence involved in the family justice system

In 2021 Justice Canada received $35 million over five years for enhanced family justice system supports for survivors of intimate partner violence. Through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, 25 funding agreements have been signed with provincial governments, legal and judicial organizations, and non-governmental organizations in 11 jurisdictions. The agreements will improve support and access to justice for survivors of intimate partner violence who are involved in the family justice system.

Projects are running a variety of activities to support these goals. For example, four jurisdictions are developing models to appoint counsel for cross-examination in family law cases involving family violence where one or both parties are not represented. Eight projects are implementing family violence screening tools and/or enhancing coordination across different parts of the justice system in cases involving family violence.

Legal support and awareness to address workplace sexual harassment

As part of its commitment to eliminate gender-based violence, the Government of Canada responded to public and stakeholder concerns about sexual harassment in the workplace by investing $50.4 million between 2019–2020 and 2023–2024.

The initiative included two complementary components to help reduce workplace sexual harassment and increase access to justice for complainants. Through the Legal Aid Program and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, 45 projects received funding to provide complainants access to free legal advice and information services and/or to develop public legal education and information resources on workplace sexual harassment.

The delivery of legal advice varied across projects. Legal advice was also not limited to client-only services. In some cases, clients accessed legal advice through hotlines, in-person consultations, or websites. Other organizations used artificial intelligence to educate clients and assess whether they should be referred to a legal professional. Some projects worked directly with legal professionals and employers to offer guidance on the legal aspects of addressing workplace sexual harassment.

In terms of public legal education and information resources, funded projects developed and shared over 100 materials. Projects also offered training activities for both employees and employers. These resources provided legal information on rights, obligations, and responsibilities around workplace sexual harassment.

Raising awareness of issues related to gender-based violence

During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, Justice Canada hosted 12 webinars, with six webinars each year. The objective was to raise awareness of issues around gender-based violence:

• In 2022–2023, six webinars covered emerging and ongoing victim issues, including post-separation domestic violence and best practices for coordinated community responses to gender-based violence.
• In 2023–2024, six webinars addressed topics such as human trafficking, hate crimes, conversion therapy, and culturally responsive services for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime.

During 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, Justice Canada hosted Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (Victims Week) in May. Victims Week is an annual week-long outreach initiative with the goal of raising awareness about issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, assistance, and laws in place to help them and their families. Victims Week includes several virtual workshops, training sessions and keynote presentations throughout the week, funding for non‑governmental organizations, and a bilingual research publication. Each year, $1 million in grant funding is provided for non-governmental organizations’ projects to host local Victims Week events and activities that raise awareness about victim issues.

In 2022–2023, nine workshops and training opportunities were presented. They covered topics such as advancing gender equity for Black women experiencing domestic violence, creating trauma-informed and survivor-centred spaces, and more. In 2023–2024, nine workshops and training opportunities were also presented. They covered topics such as gender-based violence in South Asian communities, domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, and the intersectionality of trauma, among others.

Legal resources for families

Supervised parenting time services

Since 2021, Justice Canada has invested over $28 million to support provincial and territorial efforts to expand government-funded supervision services in cases of separation and divorce, particularly where there may be concerns about a child’s or another family member’s safety due to family violence. In 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, Justice Canada provided seven provinces funding to expand this program.

Many jurisdictions expanded program staffing, equipment, and locations to improve access in rural and isolated areas. Training programs for supervisors who oversee parenting time focused on best practices and safety protocols, to ensure the program is viable and protects the best interests of children. Workshops and courses, led by coaches and facilitators, were developed to support parents’ success.

Modernization efforts included using technology to expand the network of service providers; introducing more flexible scheduling options (including nights and weekends); and increasing the capacity to deliver virtual services, particularly in low-density and remote areas.

Translation of Family Guide and Newcomers Guide

The RCMP developed a newcomer guide. It provides information for newcomers to Canada about:

• the role of policing in Canada
• when and how to contact police
• what to expect if police approach or question you
• crime prevention programs
• how to proactively prevent crime in your neighbourhood

The RCMP used gender-based violence funding to translate the newcomer guide into more than 10 languages commonly spoken across Canada.

Legal resources for people serving in the military and veterans

Independent Legal Assistance Program

The Independent Legal Assistance program is an initiative designed to facilitate access to legal services for individuals who have experienced military sexual misconduct. Its primary goal is to help people make informed decisions based on their needs, goals, and circumstances.

In 2022–2023, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre continued to develop the first phase of the Independent Legal Advice Program. The Centre launched a reimbursement program to provide immediate support while the permanent service model was being developed. This included establishing the necessary authorities and approvals, securing funding, and setting up the tools needed to run the program, with a focus on protecting personal client information.

In 2023–2024, the Centre launched the first phase of the Independent Legal Advice Program, it provided people affected by military sexual misconduct with reimbursements for eligible legal costs. The SMSRC continues to develop the program, so it can eventually connect clients directly with appropriate resources for legal information, advice, and representation, with no upfront cost.

The Independent Legal Advice is expected to improve the overall care and support provided to the Sexual Misconduct Support and Response Centre’s clients and contribute to DND’s and the CAF’s knowledge and understanding of sexual misconduct.

Future direction

Over the past two years, progress continued under It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. Advancements were made in efforts to shift societal attitudes; enhance support for victims, survivors, and their families; and build a more responsive justice system. Yet there is still work to be done to ensure lasting change. The achievements to date lay a foundation. However, all sectors must be committed and work together on the journey to end gender-based violence.

Looking ahead, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence will serve as a crucial framework to unite Federal-Provincial-Territorial efforts in a coordinated approach. Women and Gender Equality Canada will continue leading the Federal GBV Strategy as the federal government’s contribution to the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Together, these efforts will ensure that we maintain and expand on the progress made to date. aiming for a future where everyone in Canada can live free from gender-based violence.

The Government of Canada remains dedicated to listening to, learning from, and acting on the voices of victims and survivors, as well as the expertise of organizations across the country. Together, we can achieve a Canada free of gender-based violence.