Apr 11, 2025 | Battered Women's Support Services
What Kind of Economy Ends Violence? Rethinking Safety, Care, and Public Policy in Canada
By Angela Marie MacDougall
As Canada approaches a federal election in the midst of growing uncertainty—from a worsening affordability crisis to escalating trade tensions with the United States—there is an urgent need to interrogate the economic assumptions shaping public policy. While debates focus on jobs, budgets, and competitiveness, there is far less conversation about the underlying ideology guiding these conversations. The general, the ideology guiding economic policy, is rooted in market supremacy, privatization, deregulation, and reduced public spending, continues to dominate policy across party lines and levels of government.
Even as its promises remain unfulfilled, notions of the economy persists through a set of widely accepted myths. These myths are presented as common sense, yet they obscure the real costs to individuals and communities, particularly to women, gender-diverse people, and those already navigating marginalization and violence. Understanding these myths, and how they directly connect to the realities of gender-based violence and violence against women, is essential in shaping a just economic and social future for Canada.
The first myth is that lower taxes help everyone. In practice, tax cuts primarily benefit corporations and high-income earners, while eroding the public services that everyday people rely on. When governments reduce their fiscal capacity through tax cuts, survivors of violence pay the price in the form of fewer shelters, longer wait times for counselling, inaccessible legal aid, and a diminished safety net.
The second myth is that privatization leads to efficiency. In truth, privatized services are often more expensive, less accessible, and less accountable. This is especially harmful in sectors tied to safety and survival. When long-term care, mental health services, or housing are left to the private market, care becomes conditional on profit—leaving those in crisis with few or no options.
Austerity and balanced budgets are often framed as responsible governance. Yet history shows us that austerity disproportionately harms the very populations most in need of public investment. When services are cut in the name of fiscal discipline, women, and gender-diverse people—especially those fleeing violence—are left with impossible choices. Balancing budgets by underfunding women’s shelters, legal aid, or income supports is not responsible. It is abandonment.
Another myth is that free trade benefits everyone. In reality, trade agreements often empower multinational corporations while displacing local industries, weakening labour protections, and making it harder for governments to enforce environmental and human rights standards. In the current context, as Canada faces real tariffs and economic threats from the U.S., these dynamics are only intensifying. The impacts are not just economic; they are personal. When wages fall and communities lose good jobs, stress and insecurity rise. Violence often follows. Economic instability is a risk factor for GBV, and economic disempowerment is a barrier to leaving it.
We are also told that the market will solve the housing crisis. But the housing market is not designed to provide homes—it is designed to generate profit. That profit model has made safe, affordable housing increasingly inaccessible, especially for women, racialized communities, and survivors of violence. Without stable housing, fleeing abuse becomes nearly impossible. Market-based solutions have failed. The evidence is in the overcrowded shelters, the rising homelessness among women, and the impossible waitlists for second-stage housing.
Finally, this ideology aka neoliberalism tells us that success is a matter of personal responsibility. But structural violence cannot be outworked or out planned. Gender-based violence is not the result of poor choices; it is the result of a society that normalizes inequality, disinvestment, and harm. The myth of personal responsibility serves to silence survivors, erase structural causes, and justify inaction.
These myths not only mask the failures of the current economic policy—they deepen and normalize the conditions that allow gender-based violence to persist. They discredit public care while valorizing private profit. They frame survival as a matter of choice while making real safety unaffordable or unavailable.
In the Canadian context, this means we must recognize five clear links between economic policy and violence. First, underfunding social services directly limits options for those fleeing violence. Second, the precarity of work created by deregulated labour markets traps people in unsafe conditions. Third, housing policy rooted in market speculation denies survivors the stability they need to rebuild. Fourth myth, carceral responses are funded while prevention, healing, and community-led supports are starved. Fifth, colonial and racialized economic structures continue to deny Indigenous women and communities the resources and sovereignty required for safety.
As Canadians cast their votes in a time of rising uncertainty—faced with international threats, internal instability, and a cost-of-living crisis—it is essential to ask whose version of economic security we are defending. What does “Canada first” mean when our policies prioritize markets over people, and capital over care? Gender-based violence does not exist in isolation. It is shaped and sustained by the same policies that are now being repackaged as solutions.
The choice before us is not only about leadership. It is about the kind of economy we believe is possible. One that rewards extraction, privatization, and inequality—or one that invests in care, housing, healing, and collective safety.
That choice is not rhetorical. It is structural. And it matters more than ever.
Apr 2, 2025 | Battered Women's Support Services
This guide explores the complex effects of social media on young people, particularly young women and girls, highlighting the challenges they face. It also discusses actionable steps we can take as a society and as parents and guardians to support youth in navigating this complex online world safely and confidently.
In a world where technology and online spaces are evolving at an alarmingly fast pace, young women and girls find themselves navigating an increasingly challenging social life.
Unfortunately, this space is filled with unwanted sexual images, harassment, and cyberstalking. Despite the dangers, the fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps many young people on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. For youth, staying connected online is essential for social interaction and community building. Social media platforms provide a space for self-expression, creativity, and connection with peers, which can be crucial for their development and sense of belonging.
FOMO drives young people to remain active on these platforms, as they fear missing out on important events, trends, and social experiences that their peers engage in.
There is constant pressure to be present and engaged, but it does create a cycle of anxiety that traps them in an online world that can feel overwhelming and makes it difficult to navigate relationships and their futures.
Findings from a Girlguiding survey reveal alarming statistics: one in five young women and girls reports experiencing online stalking, and over a third have encountered sexual images they did not wish to see. Yet, more than half of 11- to 21-year-olds feel compelled to remain active on social media, driven by the anxiety of missing out on social connections and experiences.
A staggering 85% of survey respondents acknowledged experiencing sexism in their daily lives.
It is crucial to recognize that the challenges young women and girls face online are not their fault, but rather a result of a system that perpetuates sexism and misogyny.
“In my daily life, I see how the constant pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards and the normalization of sexism leaves girls feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Being online all the time amplifies this.” – As 17-year-old Jiya, a Girlguiding advocate
The Effects of Social Media on Young Women and Girls
While social media affects young people as a whole, its challenges are experienced in disproportionately harmful ways by young women and girls.
This exposure to judgment and comparison fosters feelings of loneliness and erodes confidence, making it even harder for young women and girls to envision a positive future for themselves.
Alarmingly, nearly half (47%) of girls aged 11 to 21 feel that sexism and misogyny diminish their sense of safety—more than double the number who felt this way a decade ago.
As the social media continues to amplify these pressures and harmful behaviours and attitudes, young women and girls are left grappling with a growing sense of insecurity and isolation, making the path to self-acceptance and empowerment all the more challenging.
It is critical that we take action against the rising levels of misogyny that threaten the well-being of young women and girls. We must start treating extreme misogyny as a form of extremism and engage in a rapid review of how to effectively address these harmful ideologies.
How We Can Take Action as a Society
As a society, we must advocate for stronger protections, better education, and accountability to create safer online spaces for everyone.
Advocating for stricter laws and protections against cyberstalking, harassment, and unwanted sexual content is essential in creating a safer online environment for young people. By classifying extreme misogyny as a form of extremism, society can prioritize urgent responses to these issues, ensuring that young women and girls are better protected from online threats.
Updating school curriculums to include discussions on online safety, digital literacy, and respectful relationships can empower students with the knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly. This education is crucial for equipping young people with the skills to recognize harmful behaviour and foster a culture of respect and empathy.
Supporting public campaigns that highlight the harms of online sexism is vital in shifting societal attitudes toward gender-based discrimination. By encouraging respectful behaviour online, these initiatives can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a healthier, more inclusive online space for all young people.
Demanding that social media platforms improve content moderation and user safety features is critical to protecting young users from harassment and abuse. By pushing for transparency in how these platforms handle misogynistic and abusive content, society can ensure that companies take their responsibility seriously and create safer online environments for everyone.
How We Can Take Action as Parents and Guardians
As parents, we can guide young people toward safer, more empowering online interactions by modeling healthy habits, supporting their self-confidence, and encouraging open dialogue.
Creating a safe space for young people to discuss their online experiences is essential for helping them process challenges they may encounter. By encouraging open dialogue without fear of judgment, parents and guardians can help youth feel supported and understood, making it easier for them to share their concerns about online harassment or negative interactions.
Equipping youth with skills to set online boundaries and report harmful content empowers them to take control of their online experiences. By encouraging them to follow uplifting accounts that promote self-worth and positivity, we can help them build resilience against negative influences and cultivate a healthier online environment.
Demonstrating mindful social media use by balancing online engagement with offline activities is vital for promoting mental well-being. Encouraging young people to take regular breaks from social media helps them develop healthier habits and reduces the risk of anxiety and stress associated with constant online connectivity.
Engaging in discussions about beauty standards and gender roles reinforces to young people that they deserve respect and value beyond societal expectations. By helping them recognize and challenge sexism, we can empower youth to stand up against harmful stereotypes and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Staying informed about online trends and issues allows parents and guardians to better understand the online landscape young people navigate daily. Supporting advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting safer, more inclusive online spaces not only empowers youth but also contributes to broader societal change for a healthier online community.
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is crucial for both parents and society to take a proactive stance in supporting young people. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by youth, particularly young women and girls online, we can collectively work towards creating safer and more empowering environments.
At Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), we understand the importance of providing resources tailored to youth and to supporting youth, including information on internet safety and empowerment. We encourage parents, youth workers, teachers and youth to explore our website for valuable resources that can support the young people in your lives.
Together, we can challenge harmful behaviours and social media pressures, ensuring that young people can express themselves, build connections, and thrive in an online world free from harassment and discrimination. By prioritizing their well-being and empowerment, we can help them transform their online experiences into positive opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
As an organization dedicated to ending violence in all its forms, BWSS stands in solidarity with victims and survivors. For resources on safety, accessing support, and taking action against gender-based violence, visit our website.
You are not alone.
Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868 Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867 Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org
Mar 26, 2025 | Battered Women's Support Services
A common assumption is that if someone is in an abusive relationship, they have the power to end the abuse simply by leaving. However, the reality is that leaving does not mean the abuse ends. In fact, after leaving is often the most dangerous time.
Violence in an intimate relationship is a systematic pattern of domination, where an abusive partner uses tactics to maintain power and control. When a survivor leaves, the abusive partner may escalate violence in an attempt to regain control. There are also many barriers that can make leaving difficult, and only the survivor knows when it is safest to do so.
The next time a survivor steps forward to disclose abuse, consider these 19 reasons why leaving is not always an immediate or safe option.
Fear of retaliation; of being killed; of the abusive partner hurting loved ones; of being stalked; of not being believed; of unsupervised visits with the abusive partner putting children at risk. The reality that the most dangerous time for a survivor/victim is when she leaves the abusive partner. 77 percent of domestic violence-related homicides occur upon separation and there is a 75 percent increase of violence upon separation for at least two years.
Gaslighting occurs when an abusive partner minimizes what’s happening by convincing a survivor that their memories of events are incorrect. This can lead to self-doubt, making it harder to trust personal intuition about the level of danger, even when friends and family may clearly see the risks. An abusive partner may also shift blame, making the survivor feel responsible for the abuse—as if changing their behaviour could make it stop.
The abusive partner will isolate the survivor from their friends, family, community support, and resources, as abusive partners seek to cut off survivors from support networks as a control mechanism.
Fear for the safety of children, especially if the abusive partner has threatened harm if the survivor leaves. Custody concerns, including the risk of the abusive partner gaining custody, something that happens in more than half of cases. The risk of child abuse as a consequence of attempting to leave.
The abusive partner may make threats to hurt their partner/children, other loved ones, and/or pets; threats to call Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration Canada; threats to take the children; threats to “out” their partner to family or coworkers, etc.
The abusive partner may control the finances or be the sole source of finances for the family; the abusive partner may have destroyed the survivor’s credit or forced joint accounts so starting over financially is not feasible.
Such as lack of transportation to services, lack of access to the internet to find services or lack of resources in the survivor’s language.
Shelters are full, wait lists are long, and rent prices are too high, so even when survivors feel ready to leave they might not have anywhere to go.
The abusive partner promises they will change, using manipulative tactics to try to keep the survivor in the relationship.
Far that the abusive partner will be arrested, imprisoned, deported etc. which may have consequences for the survivor through retaliation, finances, and children.
In the criminal justice system that results in a fear of turning to resources such as the police or courts.
Culture/religion/family pressures to stay together.
With a very low prosecution rate, survivors are unlikely to pursue legal action when it means being revictimized in court without meaningful results. Abusive partners often use threats to pressure survivors into recanting, and even when charges are laid, consequences are often minimal. In some cases, survivors have even been wrongfully arrested, accused of perpetrating the violence they were trying to escape.
The belief that the abuse is their fault, largely because of societal victim blaming. Causing many survivors feel like the abuse is somehow their fault.
Abusive partners may threaten the survivor with deportation if she discloses abuse, which can also result in fear of separation from children, law enforcement etc.
If survivors have called the police in the past and had a negative experience, they are less likely to seek help again. The risks are even greater if the abusive partner is a police officer, as disclosing abuse can become even more dangerous. Abusive officers often manipulate the system, telling survivors that no one will believe them or that they can convince others the survivor is the perpetrator. Additionally, police officers retain access to firearms even after a domestic violence charge, increasing the risk of lethal violence.
The most common survivor of domestic violence is someone who identifies as female, but people of all gender identities can experience abuse. Escaping an abusive partner can present additional barriers, particularly for non-binary survivors, who often feel excluded from the conversation about domestic violence altogether.
The abusive partner may be the survivor’s caretaker or vice versa, the survivor might be the abusive partner’s caretaker. The survivor might stay out of obligation or may feel like they can’t live independently without the abusive partner’s help.
Many survivors are unable to escape an abusive partner due to concerns about what will happen to their pets. Domestic violence does not discriminate, it affects even beloved animals. Abusive partners often use pets as a tool for power and control, making it crucial to include them in safety planning. If possible, avoid leaving pets alone with the abusive partner. When preparing to leave, consider reaching out to friends, family, or a veterinarian for temporary care. Use our online interactive tool to create a personalized safety plan with prompts to help protect both you and your pets while in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or after leaving.
As an organization dedicated to ending violence in all its forms, BWSS stands in solidarity with victims and survivors. For resources on safety, accessing support, and taking action against gender-based violence, visit our website.
You are not alone.
Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868 Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867 Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org
