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.
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" |
| 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. |
Relationship supports and education
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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:
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| 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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| Online safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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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:
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. |
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| 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. Subscribe to this webpage to learn more about community events happening annually as part of 16-Days of Activism.
Subscribe to this Page
