Violence Against Women

Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any act of harm—physical, sexual, socio-cultural, psychological and economic, that is motivated or justified by reference to gender norms, both masculine and feminine. GBV is rooted in social expectations and social positions based on gender, such as different standards for men's and women's sexuality, or challenges to gender roles, including women’s involvement in non-traditional employment.

Violations of human rights

The aim of GBV is to exert or protect power—personal, social, economic, and political. GBV is not exclusive to women and girls, but it principally affects them across all cultures. This type of violence is frequently invisible both because it takes place behind closed doors and because it is treated as private or even "normal". Around the globe, GBV is one of the most widely tolerated violations of human rights.

A pervasive issue

ACEWH's work on GBV focused on violence against women and we have been privileged to partner and collaborate with many individuals and organizations working to end violence against women. Some of the research had centred specifically on violence against women, but reports of GBV have also surfaced in many other projects, including research with lone mothers, unpaid caregivers, and farming families in Atlantic Canada. 

Research and products

Positive Mental Health Outcomes For Women Experiencing Violence and Abuse In Rural and Remote Areas [PDF - 355 kB]
Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Rural Research Centre, Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (April, 2011)

Immigrant Women, Family Violence, and Pathways Out of Homelessness [PDF - 430 kB]
Wilfreda E. Thurston, Barbara Clow, David Este, Tess Gordey, Margaret Haworth-Brockman, Liza McCoy, Rachel Rapaport Beck, Christine Saulnier, Jana Smith (2006)