WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE

October 15 - 21, 2023

YWCA’s Week Without Violence

Not On Our Screens | Not In Our Streets: A Movement Towards Violence-Free Communities

During the third week of October, YWCAs observe the Week Without Violence. This is a National and World YWCA movement to end gender-based violence in every space where it occurs. 

We know that there is a deep connection between online and offline hate speech and violence against women, girls and gender diverse people in all their diversity. We all have the right to be our truest selves, to explore and express ourselves safely and free from violence, whether in digital spaces or in our neighbourhoods. 

In our local youth programs we hear many examples of gender-based violence.  It’s unwanted attention over physical appearance. It’s feeling unsafe walking down the street. It’s not feeling safe at school for showing up as themselves. It’s people not respecting pronouns and chosen names. It’s teens that are victims of sexual assault and harrassment. It’s bullying - online and at school.

One of our YWCA Muskoka pillars in preventing gender-based violence. It is why we do the work we do. It's at the core of our youth programs. It's woven throughout our women's programming. It's why we have the National Emergency Survivor Support (NESS) Fund. 

Together, we must all stand in solidarity with survivors of technology-facilitated and gender-based violence and take action to end violence on our screens and on our streets.

Get involved

Register here for the first of two YWCA Canada Week Without Violence panel discussions, A Long Road: The Links between Gender Justice and Safe, Affordable Transportation. 

Additional Resources:

YWCA Canada has developed a series of graphics and resources for the Week Without Violence to help you start a conversation, spread awareness and learn more about gender-based violence and online hate in Canada. 

• Click here for social media posts you can share 
• Is our relationship healthy? A zine for all ages.
• What can I do when I am feeling really angry graphic
• Tips for expressing healthy anger graphic
• Is your relationship healthy graphic
• Rights. Reports. Supports. A guide from YWCA Canada on sexual image based abuse.