Brantford launches Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services, Brantford Police Service and the Brant’s Response Against Violence Everywhere (BRAVE) Committee, are pleased to launch the Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign, designed to bring awareness, reduce stigma and encourage ongoing dialogue about intimate partner and gender-based violence. As part of the campaign, three purple benches have been installed at supportive locations throughout the city as a reminder to pause, reflect and reach out for help.

“Meaningful change starts with ongoing community conversations,” says Natasha Dobler, Executive Director of Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services. “The Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign helps raise awareness about intimate partner and gender-based violence while reminding those who are experiencing harm that support is available. When you see a purple bench in the community, we want you to know, you are not alone.”

Each bench includes signage with Nova Vita’s 24/7 crisis & support line, a link to a webpage highlighting local supports, services and resources, and a ribbon displaying the word help in the most commonly spoken languages in Brantford. The purple benches are located at:

• Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services located at 59 North Park Street
• The W Lounge at Woodman Park Community Centre located at 491 Grey Street
• Brantford Police Service located at 344 Elgin Street to be installed as part of ongoing construction

"Community safety is strengthened through awareness, prevention and partnership,” says Jason Saunders, Chief of Police at Brantford Police Service. “This campaign helps connect people with resources while encouraging a collective response to intimate partner and gender-based violence."

"Highlighting this campaign at the Woodman Park Community Centre helps encourage young people to talk about healthy relationships, learn about gender-based violence and how they can access support,” says Kim Rolson, Community Recreation Supervisor at the City of Brantford.

The Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign launches during Woman Abuse Prevention Month and aligns with the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign. The campaign’s use of purple reflects the colour’s longstanding association with the women's suffrage movement and its recognition as a symbol of dignity, courage and resilience.

Background

In October 2023, Brantford City Council joined over 100 municipalities across Ontario in declaring intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic. Since then, the City of Brantford has worked with community partners to encourage public awareness, education and advocacy to end gender-based violence in all its forms. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the City ran an educational campaign aimed at teens and young adults to help them determine if their relationships were healthy while providing valuable resources for those who were experiencing intimate partner and gender-based violence. Building on these efforts, Brantford City Council approved a Notice of Motion in September 2025 supporting the Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign, which advances the community priorities identified in the City’s Community Safety & Well-being Plan (2025-2029).

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner or gender-based violence, help is available by calling Nova Vita’s 24/7 crisis and support line at 519-752-4357 or visiting novavita.org/community-resources. To learn more about the Relationships Should Feel Safe campaign, and other gender-based violence initiatives or supports in the City of Brantford, please visit Brantford.ca/IPV.

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Media Contact:

City of Brantford Communications

519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca