The relationship you were thinking about has healthy patterns!
Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence
In October 2023, Brantford City Council joined over 100 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.
IPV & GBV Education: Online Learning
The City of Brantford, in partnership with Western University and the Brant’s Response Against Violence Everywhere (BRAVE) Committee, are pleased to offer the community free access to the Neighbours, Friends & Families: Understanding & Preventing Intimate Partner & Gender-Based Violence online course.
Learning is self-directed and takes approximately one hour to complete. At the end of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Western University.
Healthy Relationships Campaign
Through IPV/GBV Community Action Plan, the City's Healthy Relationships campaign was created in consultation with Brantford youth as an opportunity to address IPV/GBV in our community.
Healthy relationships quiz
How are the vibes in your relationships? Watch the video below to take our healthy relationship quiz:
Quiz results
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.
Relationship supports and education
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
- Crisis & Support Line: 519-751-3471
- Free, anonymous, 24-hour
Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services
- Crisis & Support Line: 519-752-4357
- Online chat support
- Text Support: 519-752-4357 (Free, anonymous, 24-hour, end-to-end encrypted)
Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services
- Support line: 519-445-4324
Kids Help Phone
- 1-800-668-6868
Online Resources
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.
Local Crisis & Support Lines
- SAC Brant Support Line: 519-751-3471
- Free, anonymous, 24-hour
- Nova Vita Support Line: 519-752-4357
- Free, anonymous, 24-hour
Counselling Supports
- Sexual Assault Centre of Brant
- Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services
- Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Support for victims/survivors navigating the criminal/legal system
Medical Support
2SLGBTQQIA+ Support
- LGBTQ YouthLine – text: 647-694-4275
- Trans Lifeline – 1-877-330-6366
Post-Secondary Student Support
- Wilfrid Laurier University: svinfo@wlu.ca
- Conestoga College: sgbv@conestogac.on.ca or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 3079
Non-emergency Reporting
- Brantford Police: 519-756-0113 or 519-756-7050
- Brant County OPP: 1-888-310-1122
If you are experiencing an emergency and you need immediate help, call 911.
Other useful crisis lines
- Assaulted Women's Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 (toll-free, 24/7, multilingual service available)
- On a Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone: #7233
- Seniors 24/7 Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
- Fem'aide 24/7 Support Line: 1-877-336-2433 (French only)
- Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-887-0015
- Ontario 24/7 Community and Social Services Helpline: 211
- Talk4Healing 24/7 Helpline for Indigenous Women: 1-855-554-4325
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
- Engaging Youth to Promote Healthy Masculinities and End Gender-Based Violence resources from the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children
- White Ribbon’s Men of Quality Campaign
Bystander Intervention
Boundaries are rules you set for yourself to ensure your safety and comfort in your relationships. Boundaries can be about what actions you’re willing to take, what you’re willing to talk about, or what information you’re willing to share.
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.
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:
Workbooks on gender-based violence
- Expand your understanding of gender-based violence (Government of Canada website)
- Understanding your Rights
- Gender-based violence and healthy relationships
- Gender-based violence and you
- Seeking support for gender-based violence
- Being a gender-based violence ally
Online modules
- Workplace Sexual harassment and Violence: Building Safe Workplaces
- Domestic Violence Risk Assessment & Management
- Document, Monitor, and Collaborate: A Primer on Domestic Violence Risk Assessment & Management
- Domestic Violence in the Workplace
- Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence on University and College Campuses in Ontario
- Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence
Additional learning opportunities
Engaging in Healthy Community Connections
In collaboration with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, staff will support the implementation of a hub model for urban indigenous youth ages 13-17 within Brantford, offering free wraparound supports such as academic assistance, land-based learning opportunities, connections to cultural and language programs, outdoor recreation, youth events, sharing circles and storytelling. To learn more about how to access this programming, or to obtain a current calendar of events, please contact byh@niwasa.ca
YES (Youth Engagement Series) Program
This program offers youth ages 12-18 space to engage in sports-based recreation activities, while also gaining valuable knowledge on critical safety topics. These sessions will cover subjects such as healthy relationships, online safety, substance use, and the dangers of gangs and gun violence, with local law enforcement officers joining in to build trust and foster positive relationships with young people.
This weekly registered drop-in will run in blocks of six weekly 2-hour sessions at Laurier Brantford YMCA. To register, email Megan Potvin at megan.potvin@ymcahbb.ca or call 226-208-0852.
This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Brantford, YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford, and Brantford Police Services.
The Brantford Youth Council (BYC) is made up of high school aged (ages 13- 18) community volunteers who are passionate about making Brantford a community where young people can thrive. Members of BYC plan and implement activities, special events and community impact projects throughout the year such as:
- Brantford Youth Week
- Consulting on community projects for youth
- Launching a youth little free library
- Community garden plot
BYC volunteers gain important skills and experiences in leadership, collaboration, project management and community impact. To learn more, visit brantford.ca/YOUth
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