Gender-based violence holds everyone back. It has long-lasting and negative health, social, and economic effects that span generations, and it takes many forms including physical, sexual, psychological, and online violence.

“Investing in national networks like Actua that empower and inspire youth to address this issue is crucial. We are taking an active role in preventing and addressing cyberviolence because it is real violence, with real harm, and real consequences. We will continue to work with community partners, the private sector, and other levels of government to end gender-based violence in all of its forms.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“Our government knows that when young women succeed, we all succeed. The Engage, Empower, Connect: Cyber-employment for girls and young women (EC2) project will provide hands-on, interactive education for young women in order to strengthen their ability to protect themselves against cyber threats. In addition, the project’s participants will learn essential digital skills that they can carry with them as they begin careers in law enforcement, public policy, and STEM fields. Our government is taking the necessary steps to promote a positive digital environment for all, starting with protecting the internet's most vulnerable users.”

Karen McCrimmon
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton 

“Actua is pleased to be receiving support from the federal government on a critical cyber-empowerment initiative to help prevent online victimization of Canadian girls and young women. The pilot project will be focused on delivering asset-based programming through digital skill development, and the creation of positive online connections. Actua is committed to building digital citizenship in youth, leading to a new cyber-smart generation ready to embrace the challenges of the digital age.”

Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO
Actua

• In June 2017, Women and Gender Equality Canada announced the first-ever federal Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

• To date, the Government of Canada has invested over $200 million across government to prevent GBV, support survivors and their families, and promote responsive legal and justice systems.

• Public Safety Canada’s Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying initiative was launched in 2018. As part of this initiative, a public opinion research survey has been conducted with parents and youth, and two research reports are in development. In addition, ‘cyberbullying’ was included as a priority issue in Public Safety Canada’s 2018 Call for Applications under the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Community-based intervention projects are currently in development. Public Safety Canada will use these projects to explore effective practices in the prevention and reduction of cyberbullying in Canada.

• In 2014, about 17% of Canadians aged 15 to 29 (1.1 million people) reported they had experienced cyberbullying or cyberstalking online.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• Actua
• Cybertip.ca
• It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence •
• Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre
• Public Safety Canada – Information on Cyberbullying
• RCMP – Centre for Youth Crime Prevention

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825

Valérie Haché
Senior Communications Advisor
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-8684