Navigating the System: A Gender-Based Violence Perspective

On December 3rd, I found myself in a room full of professionals who genuinely care- people who have turned their desire to help others into a lifelong vocation.

The energy was palpable.

"Navigating the System: A Gender-Based Violence Perspective" was an emotionally heavy event, but absolutely essential.

When I sat down, the first thing I overheard was the story of a Fort Erie educator sharing that, in 30 years of teaching, he has never witnessed so many children arriving at school in emotional or mental states that make them unable to learn.

That was crushing to hear--

and revealing of the moment we are living in.

CEVAW presented findings from three years of research in Niagara, supported by actionable recommendations. Their report highlighted gaps between policy and eligibility, and communication limitations between agencies that leave survivors fatigued, frustrated and often retraumatized.

The reality is clear: community needs are rapidly increasing, while resources are not.

Social services in Niagara are at capacity.

But there was good news.

Post-COVID improvements in technology have significantly expanded access for many.

And the professionals across our community trust one another- and are committed to working together toward the shared goal of building a safer Niagara.

What struck me most, however, was the stark difference in support systems for men versus women.

In September 2023, Niagara Region declared Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic, and the Niagara Regional Police reported 1,143 domestic violence incidents (Annual Report, 04/2024).

National data from 2019 shows that, in the previous twelve months, 11% of men and 12% of women experienced some form of IPV. Over a lifetime, 36% of men and 44% of women reported experiencing IPV.

To meaningfully address this epidemic, we must look at how we support men and boys, alongside female survivors.

Trauma recycles across generations until someone has the strength--and support--to heal it.

Men and boys are the majority of perpetrators, but when they are healed, they are pulled to protect, not harm.

So how can we better serve the men in our community?

This is a question Niagara must begin answering with intention.

I want to end with a beautiful statement by panelist Elizabeth Sault, who shared that she believes in H.O.P.E. -- Helping Our People Evolve.

I carried those words with me as I left the room.