24/11/2025
Actions YOU Can Take Against Gender-Based Violence:
1. Look for the signs
Educate yourself on the signs and risk factors of GBV, which comes in many forms. If we all learn more about GBV, we can better know how to work to stop the cycle of abuse.
Some of the warning signs include:
One partner acts superior to the other, including by putting their partner down/insulting them
One partner checks up on the other one all the time, even at work
One partner seems fearful, nervous, unsure, or passive when the other is present
One partner is apologetic and makes excuses for their partner’s behaviour, or they become aggressive and angry
One partner seems to be sick more often and misses work or school or regular commitments
One partner has frequent and unexplained bruises and injuries
For more information and resources:
2. Offer a Listening Ear
Let victims and Survivors know you are available to listen with no judgement. Many people are afraid to talk about abuse, and feel isolated and belittled after experiencing GBV.
Having someone to talk to in case there is ever an urgent situation is important. Victims/Survivors will appreciate your kindness.
3. Believe in others
Support Survivors and those affected by violence whenever you can. Enhance and promote the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
4. Get the word out
Use social media to spread the message and engage your community on this important issue. Share some actions you have taken, or ways that people can act now to help end GBV.
5. Talk to your children or grandchildren
If you are a parent or caregiver, talk to your child or grandchild about violence in general. Ask them what they might do if confronted with GBV or when witnessing GBV. Ensure they learn the signs, and brainstorm what their first steps could be when exposed to or confronted by acts of GBV.
6. Take action at your workplace
Support your workplace with ensuring there are gender-based harassment and violence policies in place (if there are not already). These policies must include proper supports for any workers experiencing violence. For tips and information on creating policies visit:
Preventing workplace violence—Information for employers
Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace – Human Rights Watch
7. Reach out
If you need information about local GBV resources or if you want to talk to an expert about a situation that worries you, call local helplines! 0800 150 150
8. Help a local community organization
If one doesn’t already exist, start a community organization. Have regular meetings, sharing circles, and other events where you get to know each other and talk about important issues in the community. Educate your community on GBV and make sure everyone knows it will not be tolerated.
9. Call others to Action
Learn about and encourage others to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s
10. Volunteer
Find out what local violence prevention centres or shelters need. There are many ways you can help.
11. Make a positive impact in your community
For example, parents can check if schools (including colleges and universities) have safety protocols in place to prevent violence; educators can educate students on healthy relationships, dating violence, consent, and how to help if they think someone is being abused; healthcare workers can advocate for change and help educate the community. Think of all the ways, even little ways, that you can make a difference!
12. Talk about it
Not just this month, talk about GBV every month! Have conversations with the men, women, and gender-diverse people in your life.
13. Advocate with your local leadership.
14. Combat Victim Blaming and GBV
Hypermasculine and colonial stereotypes need to be challenged! Confront and speak out against sexism, racism, ignorance, homophobia, transphobia, and all acts of GBV! Encourage others to do the same, wherever and whenever it occurs.
15. Share resources
Print or share information or tips online with your workplace, community organizations, or even in public places like schools, community centres, health centres, band offices, libraries, and more to help educate the community.
