Learning and Knowledge Exchanges
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.
The Militarization of Indigenous Land: A Human Rights Focus
This is a submission by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples detailing the militarization of Indigenous land and criminalization of Indigenous land defenders in B.C. The submission emphasizes how government and industry must meaningfully recognize and respect the right of Indigenous Peoples to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) regarding the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories.
The Road to Safety: Indigenous Survivors in BC Speak Out against Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic
This report highlights the experiences of Indigenous survivors in B.C experiencing intimate partner violence during the pandemic. For Indigenous women and gender diverse people, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the pre-existing reality of gendered colonial violence, and survey findings show that Indigenous women and gender diverse people are experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Double Standard: Ending the Unjust Criminalisation of Victims of Violence against Women and Girls
This international report sets out evidence of the unjust criminalisation of victims of violence against women and girls in England and Wales for alleged offending resulting from their experience of abuse, and the reforms in law and practice that are needed to address this.