MANITOBA’S FRAMEWORK: Addressing Gender-Based Violence DECEMBER 4, 2020

Photo Credit: Government of Manitoba

The Manitoba Government has released a framework on addressing GBV. 

This is a wonderful start towards developing a more systematic approach to improving the services to help address gender-based violence (GBV) in Manitoba. The groundwork completed by the province falls in line with the work that Willow Place and now MAWS has been focused on over the last 5 years, first with the Challenge for Change and now the Transforming Together projects. Transforming Together aims to engage and empower stakeholders to re-think and re-energize services which address GBV, while amplifying the voices of those with lived expertise and addressing the causes of domestic and family violence which are rooted in the behaviours and structures of oppression (racism, colonialism, nationalism, sexism, ageism, ableism, heterosexism, etc.).

Manitoba has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence, which has devastating immediate and long-term effects on the health and well-being of everyone in our communities. The isolation and important public health safety measures that we have had to experience during the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated the likelihood of interpersonal, domestic, and gender-based violence, leaving many who face violence deeply vulnerable. It is important that we ensure that those at risk of violence continue to have access to the resources and support they need to be safe.

MAWS looks forward to working with the Government of Manitoba to prevent gender-based violence and providing stronger support for survivors and their families.