Learning and Knowledge Exchanges
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.
#CallitFemicide 2018-2022 Report
The Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability (CFOJA) has released data for 2022, showing that 184 women and girls were violently killed in Canada last year, primarily by men.
Successful Tenancies: Exploring Survivors’ Experiences in the Private Rental Market in Toronto
Gender-based violence is a common cause of homelessness among women and gender-diverse people in Toronto and survivors face unique challenges to housing. This research contains findings from community-based research undertaken with women and gender-diverse people who have experienced gender-based violence and currently live in or are trying to access private rental housing in Toronto. The report shares their experiences and unique challenges to housing, including hidden homelessness, discrimination from landlords, and income insecurity.
From Hate to Hope: Inquiry into Hate in the COVID-19 Pandemic
In August 2021, BC’s Human Rights Commissioner launched an Inquiry into the rise of hate in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2023, the Commissioner released her findings and recommendations
BC Gender Equality Report Card 2021/2022
The 2021/2022 Gender Equality Report Card assesses BC’s progress in advancing gender equality in economic security and access to healthcare.