Learning and Knowledge Exchanges
This webpage is a centralized hub for resources related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from organizations across British Columbia, as well as key national and international research. We will continue to update this webpage as further resources become available.
Police Experiences Among Trans and Non-binary Sex Workers in Canada
Although trans and non-binary sex workers may be particularly impacted by criminalization, data on the specific experiences of trans and non-binary sex workers have been lacking. To fill this gap, we researchers used data from the Trans PULSE Canada survey to describe participants’ experiences with police. Indigenous and racialized sex workers had the most negative police experiences and expectations.
Intersecting Inequalities in Access to Justice for Trans and Non-binary Sex Workers in Canada
Trans and non-binary sex workers face large inequities in accessing justice, which are exacerbated for transfeminine, Indigenous, racialized, and street-based workers. In the context of renewed debate about Canada’s “end demand” sex work laws, this study takes an intersectional approach to characterize experiences with the criminal legal system and perceived access to justice among transgender (trans) and nonbinary sex workers in Canada.
Housing Barriers Among Trans and Non-Binary Adults in Canada
Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary peoplee face specific barriers due to the structural, binary nature of most transitional and emergency housing and supports in Canada. To better understand these structural housing barriers and identify solutions for removing them, this report provides some new disaggregated data to fill the gap of information on housing barriers and homelessness experiences among Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary adults in Canada.
Gender-related Homicide of Women and Girls in Canada
Between 2011 and 2021, police reported 1,125 gender-related homicides of women and girls in Canada. Of these homicides, two-thirds (66%) were perpetrated by an intimate partner, 28% a family member, 5% a friend or acquaintance and the remaining 1% a stranger. While the rate of gender-related homicide of women and girls has generally declined since 2001, there was a 14% increase between 2020 and 2021, marking the highest rate recorded since 2017.
Investing in Saving Lives: Designing Second-Stage Women’s Shelters on First Nation Reserves
Despite the great risk for intimate partner violence for Indigenous women, only three unfunded second-stage shelters for more than 600 First Nation reserves exist in Canada to provide First Nation women and their children a safe home. This article documents the need for safe, nurturing, and culturally appropriate second-stage shelters for Indigenous women and their families to heal and rebuild, and to stop the genocide of Indigenous Peoples by supporting cultural, economic, health, and social development
24 Hour Census Report (2022): A One-Day Look at Women’s Transition Housing and Support Programs in BC
This snapshot offers some insight into the realities of Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Programs in BC. In just 24 hours, between November 30th & December 1st, 2022 1,501 people were sheltered or supported in-person or remotely through Transition Housing Programs across BC. Unfortunately, an additional 201 people were waiting for services or turned away from these programs.
By Us, For Us: A Needs and Risks Assessment of Sex Workers in the Lower Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island
In a context of the global COVID-19 pandemic and criminalized sex work, this sex worker-developed and sex-worker run report assesses the detailed needs and risks of sex workers in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island. Surveying 200 sex workers in the area, this assessment was set to the background of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and an overdose crisis.
Supporting Youth Experiencing Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence
Just as sexual violence impacts youth “in real life (IRL)”, technology-facilitated sexual violence effects young people as well. If there are young people in your life, this brief outlines the things you can do to prevent technology-facilitated violence, including sexual violence.