Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence
In October 2023, Brantford City Council joined over 100 municipalities across Ontario in declaring intimate partner and gender-based based violence (IPV/GBV) an epidemic. Through collaboration with community partners, the City developed an Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence (IPV/GBV): Community Action Plan 2024-2026. Through this plan, the City's Healthy Relationships campaign was created as an opportunity to address IPV/GBV in our community.
IPV & GBV Education: Online Learning
The City of Brantford, in partnership with Western University and the Brant’s Response Against Violence Everywhere (BRAVE) Committee, are pleased to offer the community free access to the Neighbours, Friends & Families: Understanding & Preventing Intimate Partner & Gender-Based Violence online course.
Learning is self-directed and takes approximately one hour to complete. At the end of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Western University.
Healthy Relationships Campaign
Through IPV/GBV Community Action Plan, the City's Healthy Relationships campaign was created in consultation with Brantford youth as an opportunity to address IPV/GBV in our community.
Healthy relationships quiz
How are the vibes in your relationships? Watch the video below to take our healthy relationship quiz:
Quiz results
| If you answered mostly "yes" |
| The relationship you were thinking about has healthy patterns! |
| If you answered mostly “yes” with some “no’s” |
| This might be an opportunity to pause and think about what you need to ensure you’re feeling safe and supported in your relationship. |
| If you answered all or mostly “no’s” |
| Your relationship has some patterns that seem to be stressing you out. Now is a good time to pump the brakes and reach out for some support. |
Relationship supports and education
| Local supports | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
You always deserve respect and to feel safe in your relationships. You are not alone. If you or someone you care about is in an unhealthy relationship, there are many local supports available:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| What is a healthy relationship? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A healthy relationship is one where both partners feel safe, respected, and valued, characterized by open communication, trust, equality, and mutual support. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| What to do when our friend is causing harm? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Being a brave friend sometimes means calling out unhealthy behaviour. It’s not always easy but if you see a friend making decisions that could harm themselves or others, it's important to speak up.
There are many community resources in Brantford to help support you.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| What are boundaries? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Boundaries are rules you set for yourself to ensure your safety and comfort in your relationships. Boundaries can be about what actions you’re willing to take, what you’re willing to talk about, or what information you’re willing to share. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Online safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sometimes our relationships can grow online and navigating relationships with our online friends or significant others can pose unique challenges. Trust your gut—if something feels off you can:
Remember, it’s always okay to block and report anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe online. There are many community resources in Brantford to help support us when we need help with an online relationship that isn’t feeling right. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Educational resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interested in learning more about the patterns of a healthy relationship and how you can support your friends, family, and loved ones? Check out some of these resources: |
Engaging in Healthy Community Connections
| Urban Indigenous Youth Hub |
| In collaboration with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, staff will support the implementation of a hub model for urban indigenous youth ages 13-17 within Brantford, offering free wraparound supports such as academic assistance, land-based learning opportunities, connections to cultural and language programs, outdoor recreation, youth events, sharing circles and storytelling. To learn more about how to access this programming, or to obtain a current calendar of events, please contact byh@niwasa.ca |
| YES (Youth Engagement Series) Program |
|
This program offers youth ages 12-18 space to engage in sports-based recreation activities, while also gaining valuable knowledge on critical safety topics. These sessions will cover subjects such as healthy relationships, online safety, substance use, and the dangers of gangs and gun violence, with local law enforcement officers joining in to build trust and foster positive relationships with young people. This weekly registered drop-in will run in blocks of six weekly 2-hour sessions at Laurier Brantford YMCA. To register, email Megan Potvin at megan.potvin@ymcahbb.ca or call 226-208-0852. This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Brantford, YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford, and Brantford Police Services. |
| Brantford Youth Council (BYC) |
|
The Brantford Youth Council (BYC) is made up of high school aged (ages 13- 18) community volunteers who are passionate about making Brantford a community where young people can thrive. Members of BYC plan and implement activities, special events and community impact projects throughout the year such as:
BYC volunteers gain important skills and experiences in leadership, collaboration, project management and community impact. To learn more, visit brantford.ca/YOUth |
Subscribe to this Page
