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Part of Gender-based violence prevention

16 Days, 16 Ways

16 ways you can help end gender-based violence.

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Gender-based violence prevention
  • 16 Days, 16 Ways

Overview

Each year during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, we join with people, governments and organizations across the province, country and globe to raise awareness of gender-based violence and highlight practical steps we can all take to support survivors and end violence once and for all.

This year’s campaign, under the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” focuses on preventing technology-facilitated abuse and promoting safety in digital spaces.

Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. This includes learning the signs, supporting survivors and promoting respect in our communities and online.

How you can help

There are many things each of us can do to prevent violence and support survivors:

  • check out the list of 16 practical, actionable ways you can help
  • watch and share this video to join the fight against abuse

  • 1. Learn what gender-based violence is

    Gender-based violence can take many forms, including:

    • online harassment
    • doxxing (publishing private information)
    • physical assault
    • sexual assault
    • murder
    • femicide
    • family violence
    • intimate partner violence
    • human trafficking
    • stalking
    • financial control
    • threats
    • hate speech
    • cyber-bullying
    • cyber-stalking
    • pornography
    • coercive control

    Learn more at Gender-Based Violence Prevention.

  • 2. Acknowledge that there’s a problem

    Gender-based violence happens in every community, including here in Alberta.

    It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, culture, religion, education, gender or economic background.

    It affects women, men, gender-diverse people and families across Alberta.

  • 3. Know the facts

    Gender-based violence is not just something that happens behind closed doors. It can happen at school, at work or online.

    Learn how digital violence such as online harassment and sharing images without permission can have real and lasting impacts.

  • 4. Believe others

    You can help support survivors by believing them when they report experiencing gender-based violence.

    Listening and believing are the first steps to creating a culture of safety and trust.

  • 5. Be a safe person

    If someone discloses that they are experiencing violence, listen empathetically and be supportive. This means acknowledging their experience, listening and letting them tell you what they need.

  • 6. No shaming or blaming

    People may not report cases of gender-based violence to the police because they are worried about being shamed or judged by their families, friends or the offender. 

    Use supportive, non-judgmental language and remind survivors that the abuse is never their fault.

  • 7. Be aware of non-physical violence

    Not all gender-based violence is physical. Less visible forms of gender-based violence include stalking or harassment, in person or online, or manipulation and control.

    Technology-facilitated abuse, such as tracking devices, online bullying or impersonation, can also cause serious harm.

  • 8. Take action

    Do not be a bystander to gender-based violence. Familiarize yourself with safe ways you can intervene and resources available for Albertans.

    If you see something, say something safely.

  • 9. Educate the next generation

    Violence is a learned behaviour. Young people need to feel supported to establish boundaries and speak up against violence, whether they witness it or experience it themselves. 

    They also need to be shown healthy ways of dealing with conflict within their friendships and relationships and learn that violence is never the answer.

    Encourage open conversations at home, in schools and online about respect, empathy and consent.

  • 10. Know where to turn

    If you or someone you know has experienced any form of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, physical abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation or human trafficking, support is available.

    Call or text 211 24-hours a day to get connected with resources that can help. The service is free, confidential and available in more than 170 languages.

    Call 911 if you or someone close to you is in immediate danger.

  • 11. Be ready with resources

    Read up on resources and supports available to help prevent gender-based violence and support survivors.

  • 12. Engage men and boys

    We know that most men and boys don’t tolerate or use violence against women and girls. As allies, these men lead by example and speak up whenever they see violence or harassment happening. 

    Learn more about getting men and boys involved.

    Talk with the men and boys in your life about how they can be part of the solution.

  • 13. Empower women

    Women who are economically independent have more options to avoid or leave dangerous situations. You can help by hiring, mentoring and encouraging women at work, in the classroom and beyond.

    Supporting women’s leadership and economic opportunities helps build safer and more equal communities.

  • 14. Support those who support others

    Consider volunteering or donating to organizations that support Albertans who have experienced gender-based violence.

  • 15. Know that help is available

    If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, help is available. Find information and resources online.

  • 16. Join the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

    Join us from November 25 to December 10 to raise awareness about gender-based violence and help put an end to it once and for all.

    Share what you learn, wear purple to show solidarity, and use these hashtags to help spread the message:

    • #EndGBV
    • #16Days
       

What we are doing

Alberta’s government is committed to building a province where everyone can live free from fear and harm.

Through "Building on our Strengths: Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence", we are advancing this work by raising awareness, preventing violence before it begins, supporting Indigenous-led solutions, empowering women to achieve economic independence and ensuring survivors receive the support they need when and where they need it.

Learn more about gender-based violence and our efforts to end it:

News

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