Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence
In October 2023, Brantford City Council joined over 90 municipalities across Ontario in declaring intimate partner and gender-based based violence (IPV/GBV) an epidemic. Through collaboration with community partners, the City developed an Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence (IPV/GBV): Community Action Plan 2024-2026. Through this plan, the City's Healthy Relationships campaign was created as an opportunity to address IPV/GBV in our community.
Is your relationship healthy?
Have the vibes in your relationship been off lately? Watch the video below to take our healthy relationship quiz:
Healthy relationships quiz results
| If you answered mostly "yes" |
| The relationship you were thinking about has healthy patterns! |
| If you answered mostly “yes” with some “no’s” |
| This might be an opportunity to pause and think about what you need to ensure you’re feeling safe and supported in your relationship. |
| If you answered all or mostly “no’s” |
| Your relationship has some patterns that seem to be stressing you out. Now is a good time to pump the brakes and reach out for some support. |
Local supports
You always deserve respect and to feel safe in your relationships. You are not alone. If you or someone you care about is in an unhealthy relationship, there are many local supports available:
| Sexual Assault Centre of Brant |
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| Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services |
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| Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services |
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| Kids Help Phone |
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| Online Resources |
| The BLOSSOM Approach from Nova Vita |
What is a healthy relationship?
A healthy relationship is one where both partners feel safe, respected, and valued, characterized by open communication, trust, equality, and mutual support.
What to do when our friend is causing harm?
Being a brave friend sometimes means calling out unhealthy behaviour. It’s not always easy but if you see a friend making decisions that could harm themselves or others, it's important to speak up.
There are many community resources in Brantford to help support you.
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Local Crisis & Support Lines |
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Counselling Supports |
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| Support for victims/survivors navigating the criminal/legal system |
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Medical Support
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2SLGBTQQIA+ Support
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Post-Secondary Student Support |
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Non-emergency Reporting |
If you are experiencing an emergency and you need immediate help, call 911. |
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Other useful crisis lines |
Victim 24/7 Support Line: 1-888-579-2888. More support resources can be found through the online Government of Ontario resource: Ontario Safe. |
| Online Resources |
| Healthy Masculinities |
| Bystander Intervention |
Online safety
Sometimes our relationships can grow online and navigating relationships with our online friends or significant others can pose unique challenges. Trust your gut—if something feels off you can:
- Talk to friends that you trust
- Call a support line
- Chat with a trusted adult or mentor
Remember, it’s always okay to block and report anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe online. There are many community resources in Brantford to help support us when we need help with an online relationship that isn’t feeling right.
Educational Resources
Interested in learning more about the patterns of a healthy relationship and how you can support your friends, family, and loved ones? Check out some of these resources:
16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Learn more about the community events taking place to support this cause.
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