05/30/2026
Gender-based violence (GBV) isn’t always obvious. It can show up as controlling behaviour, pressure, harassment, or harmful online interactions. And for youth, these experiences often happen in everyday spaces like school, friendships, or dating relationships.
So what can you do to address and prevent it?
Start conversations early: Talk openly about consent, respect, and healthy relationships — both online and offline.
Recognize the signs: Changes in behaviour, withdrawal, secrecy, or anxiety around certain people or situations can be signals something isn’t right.
Create a safe space: If a young person opens up, listen without judgment, believe them, and remind them it’s not their fault.
Offer your support: Ask how you can help and respect their choices.
To access workbooks, toolkits, and conversation guides designed to help you support the young people around you, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/campaigns/gender-based-violence-its-not-just/resources-adults.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
You don’t have to have all the answers, but being informed, present, and open can make a meaningful difference.