Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women Community Feedback Sessions

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Introduction

GBV-VAW Advisory Group MembersThe Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Office’s Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women (GBV-VAW) Advisory Group was established to advise on implementing a collective impact and participatory process and developing a comprehensive collective action plan. Membership of the GBV-VAW Advisory Group consists of representatives of community organizations and networks working in the GBV sector, individual GBV experts and persons with lived experience. Organizations on the GBV-VAW Advisory Group are the City of Ottawa, Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), Ottawa Coalition To End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), Interval House, Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC), Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC), Planned Parenthood Ottawa (PPO), Counselling and Family Services Ottawa (CFS Ottawa), and Project Agape.

The GBV-VAW Advisory Group’s next critical priority is to develop and implement a 3-year GBV-VAW action plan that is robust, and community and sector-led, addressing the GBV-related priorities that have emerged from community engagements. This plan will outline the subsequent steps for the GBV-VAW priority of the CSWB Plan.

To enhance the development and implementation of a 3-year GBV-VAW action plan, OCTEVAW will be hosting community feedback sessions to further engage the community.

The Engage Ottawa Sessions aim to:

  • Engage impacted communities in shaping Ottawa’s response to GBV within the CSWB Plan.
  • Identify systemic gaps and opportunities in city-led GBV prevention and intervention strategies.
  • Ensure accountability and transparency by centering survivor voices and community-led priorities in municipal decision-making.

Background

The City’s first Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (ACS2021-EPS-PPD-0003) was approved on October 27, 2021, and updated on October 3, 2024 (ACS2024-CSS-GEN-012).

Following the consultative process with residents, seven priority areas as well as goals, strategies, and outcomes to address these priorities were identified and approved by Council:

  • Discrimination, Marginalization and Racism
  • Financial Security and Poverty Reduction
  • Gender-based Violence and Violence Against Women
  • Housing
  • Integrated and Simpler Systems
  • Mental Well-Being
  • Youth Social Development

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in Ottawa, disproportionately impacting women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQ+. The Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan acknowledges the urgent need for a coordinated, community-driven response to GBV, ensuring that policies, services, and funding decisions reflect the needs and lived experiences of survivors and frontline organizations.

What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, gender identity, or perceived gender expression. Rooted in unequal power dynamics, systemic discrimination, and social norms, GBV reinforces gender inequality and disproportionately affects women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people.

GBV can occur in homes, workplaces, online spaces, institutions, and public areas, violating human rights and posing a major barrier to gender equity and social justice.

Examples of Gender-Based Violence:

  • Physical Violence
    1. Example: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) – Physical assault by a partner or femicide.
  • Sexual Violence & Harassment
    1. Example: Rape & Sexual Assault – Forced sexual acts, including marital rape.
    2. Example: Workplace Harassment – Unwanted sexual advances.
  • Psychological & Emotional Abuse
    1. Example: Coercive Control – Restricting autonomy and relationships.
  • Economic Abuse
    1. Example: Financial Control – Blocking access to money or work.
  • Institutional & Structural GBV
    1. Example: Healthcare Barriers – Denial of gender-affirming care.
  • Online & Tech-Facilitated GBV
    1. Example: Image-Based Abuse – Non-consensual sharing of intimate photos.
    2. Example: Cyberstalking – Digital harassment and tracking.

If You Need Support Right Now

Introduction

GBV-VAW Advisory Group MembersThe Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Office’s Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women (GBV-VAW) Advisory Group was established to advise on implementing a collective impact and participatory process and developing a comprehensive collective action plan. Membership of the GBV-VAW Advisory Group consists of representatives of community organizations and networks working in the GBV sector, individual GBV experts and persons with lived experience. Organizations on the GBV-VAW Advisory Group are the City of Ottawa, Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), Ottawa Coalition To End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), Interval House, Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC), Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC), Planned Parenthood Ottawa (PPO), Counselling and Family Services Ottawa (CFS Ottawa), and Project Agape.

The GBV-VAW Advisory Group’s next critical priority is to develop and implement a 3-year GBV-VAW action plan that is robust, and community and sector-led, addressing the GBV-related priorities that have emerged from community engagements. This plan will outline the subsequent steps for the GBV-VAW priority of the CSWB Plan.

To enhance the development and implementation of a 3-year GBV-VAW action plan, OCTEVAW will be hosting community feedback sessions to further engage the community.

The Engage Ottawa Sessions aim to:

  • Engage impacted communities in shaping Ottawa’s response to GBV within the CSWB Plan.
  • Identify systemic gaps and opportunities in city-led GBV prevention and intervention strategies.
  • Ensure accountability and transparency by centering survivor voices and community-led priorities in municipal decision-making.

Background

The City’s first Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (ACS2021-EPS-PPD-0003) was approved on October 27, 2021, and updated on October 3, 2024 (ACS2024-CSS-GEN-012).

Following the consultative process with residents, seven priority areas as well as goals, strategies, and outcomes to address these priorities were identified and approved by Council:

  • Discrimination, Marginalization and Racism
  • Financial Security and Poverty Reduction
  • Gender-based Violence and Violence Against Women
  • Housing
  • Integrated and Simpler Systems
  • Mental Well-Being
  • Youth Social Development

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in Ottawa, disproportionately impacting women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQ+. The Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan acknowledges the urgent need for a coordinated, community-driven response to GBV, ensuring that policies, services, and funding decisions reflect the needs and lived experiences of survivors and frontline organizations.

What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, gender identity, or perceived gender expression. Rooted in unequal power dynamics, systemic discrimination, and social norms, GBV reinforces gender inequality and disproportionately affects women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people.

GBV can occur in homes, workplaces, online spaces, institutions, and public areas, violating human rights and posing a major barrier to gender equity and social justice.

Examples of Gender-Based Violence:

  • Physical Violence
    1. Example: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) – Physical assault by a partner or femicide.
  • Sexual Violence & Harassment
    1. Example: Rape & Sexual Assault – Forced sexual acts, including marital rape.
    2. Example: Workplace Harassment – Unwanted sexual advances.
  • Psychological & Emotional Abuse
    1. Example: Coercive Control – Restricting autonomy and relationships.
  • Economic Abuse
    1. Example: Financial Control – Blocking access to money or work.
  • Institutional & Structural GBV
    1. Example: Healthcare Barriers – Denial of gender-affirming care.
  • Online & Tech-Facilitated GBV
    1. Example: Image-Based Abuse – Non-consensual sharing of intimate photos.
    2. Example: Cyberstalking – Digital harassment and tracking.

If You Need Support Right Now

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Community Feedback Session 1 Registration

    This registration form is to register to the March 27 community feedback session from 6:30 to 8:30pm at 95 Clegg Street, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1C4.

    Please note that OCTEVAW has worked diligently to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for participants.

    In order to ensure that our outreach was successful, we are asking that you take 3 minutes to answer some demographic questions that follow the registration page. The sole purpose of collecting this information is to ensure that there is fulsome representation as we work collectively on priorities to address Gender-Based Violence in our community and to verify if we have been successful in our goal to engage in an intersectional approach to this work. All of these questions are optional. Please feel free to respond as much or as little as is comfortable for you.

    Maintaining Confidentiality & Survivor Safety

    Ensuring the safety, privacy, and well-being of participants—especially survivors—is a top priority for us. We recognize that sharing experiences related to gender-based violence (GBV) can be sensitive, and we are committed to creating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and confidential space.

    To maintain confidentiality, we will implement the following protective measures:

    • Anonymous Participation Options – Participants who do not wish to share personal experiences publicly can contribute via anonymous written submissions
    • No Recording or Identifying Information – Sessions will not be recorded, and no identifying information (e.g., names, affiliations, or direct quotes) will be shared in any summary reports or public documents.
    • Confidentiality Agreement – Facilitators, note-takers, and city representatives will be required to adhere to a strict confidentiality protocol, ensuring all discussions remain private.
    • Trauma-Informed Facilitation – Trained facilitators will guide discussions with a harm-reduction and consent-based approach, allowing participants to share at their own comfort level.
    • Designated Support Personnel – A wellness support person will be available at each session to provide immediate assistance to participants who may need emotional support.
    • Safe Spaces for Engagement – Sessions will take place in secure, accessible, and survivor-friendly locations, with options for discreet entry and exit for those who require it.

    Privacy

    Personal information is being collected to support with registration to OCTEVAW’s Community Feedback Sessions as stated in the Community Safety Well-Being Plan Governance Structure approved by Council on April 27, 2022.

    Data is confidential and will not be stored.

    Questions about the collection and use of your personal information may be directed to the Community Safety and Well-being Office at cswb/sbec@ottawa.ca.

    Share Community Feedback Session 1 Registration on Facebook Share Community Feedback Session 1 Registration on Twitter Share Community Feedback Session 1 Registration on Linkedin Email Community Feedback Session 1 Registration link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Community Feedback Session 2 Registration

    This registration form is to register to the April 1 community feedback session from 6:00 to 8:00pm at 2225 Mer-Bleue Road, Orléans, ON K4A 5M3. 

    Please note that OCTEVAW has worked diligently to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for participants.

    In order to ensure that our outreach was successful, we are asking that you take 3 minutes to answer some demographic questions that follow the registration page. The sole purpose of collecting this information is to ensure that there is fulsome representation as we work collectively on priorities to address Gender-Based Violence in our community and to verify if we have been successful in our goal to engage in an intersectional approach to this work. All of these questions are optional. Please feel free to respond as much or as little as is comfortable for you.

    Maintaining Confidentiality & Survivor Safety

    Ensuring the safety, privacy, and well-being of participants—especially survivors—is a top priority for us. We recognize that sharing experiences related to gender-based violence (GBV) can be sensitive, and we are committed to creating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and confidential space.

    To maintain confidentiality, we will implement the following protective measures:

    • Anonymous Participation Options – Participants who do not wish to share personal experiences publicly can contribute via anonymous written submissions
    • No Recording or Identifying Information – Sessions will not be recorded, and no identifying information (e.g., names, affiliations, or direct quotes) will be shared in any summary reports or public documents.
    • Confidentiality Agreement – Facilitators, note-takers, and city representatives will be required to adhere to a strict confidentiality protocol, ensuring all discussions remain private.
    • Trauma-Informed Facilitation – Trained facilitators will guide discussions with a harm-reduction and consent-based approach, allowing participants to share at their own comfort level.
    • Designated Support Personnel – A wellness support person will be available at each session to provide immediate assistance to participants who may need emotional support.
    • Safe Spaces for Engagement – Sessions will take place in secure, accessible, and survivor-friendly locations, with options for discreet entry and exit for those who require it.

    Privacy

    Personal information is being collected to support with registration to OCTEVAW’s Community Feedback Sessions as stated in the Community Safety Well-Being Plan Governance Structure approved by Council on April 27, 2022.

    Data is confidential and will not be stored.

    Questions about the collection and use of your personal information may be directed to the Community Safety and Well-being Office at cswb/sbec@ottawa.ca.

    Share Community Feedback Session 2 Registration on Facebook Share Community Feedback Session 2 Registration on Twitter Share Community Feedback Session 2 Registration on Linkedin Email Community Feedback Session 2 Registration link

  • Community Feedback Session 3 Registration

    This registration form is to register to the April 9 community feedback session from 12:30 to 2:30pm at 115 Ritchie Street Unit #9, Ottawa, ON K2B 8N6.

    Please note that OCTEVAW has worked diligently to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for participants.

    In order to ensure that our outreach was successful, we are asking that you take 3 minutes to answer some demographic questions that follow the registration page. The sole purpose of collecting this information is to ensure that there is fulsome representation as we work collectively on priorities to address Gender-Based Violence in our community and to verify if we have been successful in our goal to engage in an intersectional approach to this work. All of these questions are optional. Please feel free to respond as much or as little as is comfortable for you.

    Maintaining Confidentiality & Survivor Safety

    Ensuring the safety, privacy, and well-being of participants—especially survivors—is a top priority for us. We recognize that sharing experiences related to gender-based violence (GBV) can be sensitive, and we are committed to creating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and confidential space.

    To maintain confidentiality, we will implement the following protective measures:

    • Anonymous Participation Options – Participants who do not wish to share personal experiences publicly can contribute via anonymous written submissions
    • No Recording or Identifying Information – Sessions will not be recorded, and no identifying information (e.g., names, affiliations, or direct quotes) will be shared in any summary reports or public documents.
    • Confidentiality Agreement – Facilitators, note-takers, and city representatives will be required to adhere to a strict confidentiality protocol, ensuring all discussions remain private.
    • Trauma-Informed Facilitation – Trained facilitators will guide discussions with a harm-reduction and consent-based approach, allowing participants to share at their own comfort level.
    • Designated Support Personnel – A wellness support person will be available at each session to provide immediate assistance to participants who may need emotional support.
    • Safe Spaces for Engagement – Sessions will take place in secure, accessible, and survivor-friendly locations, with options for discreet entry and exit for those who require it.

    Privacy

    Personal information is being collected to support with registration to OCTEVAW’s Community Feedback Sessions as stated in the Community Safety Well-Being Plan Governance Structure approved by Council on April 27, 2022.

    Data is confidential and will not be stored.

    Questions about the collection and use of your personal information may be directed to the Community Safety and Well-being Office at cswb/sbec@ottawa.ca.

    Register
    Share Community Feedback Session 3 Registration on Facebook Share Community Feedback Session 3 Registration on Twitter Share Community Feedback Session 3 Registration on Linkedin Email Community Feedback Session 3 Registration link
Page last updated: 04 Apr 2025, 02:56 PM