Violence

Violence is intentionally causing harm to a person or group—whether that harm be a physical injury, psychological distress, or deprivation.

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Gender-based violence

Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions, and identities of women, men, and gender diverse people. Gender-based violence occurs when a person faces violence because of their gender. 

While violence can be experienced by anyone, women and gender diverse people are disproportionately affected. Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis and Compass Community Services provide services and supports to women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence. 

Hundreds of women and gender diverse people in our community experience violence each year
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Hundreds of women and gender diverse people in our community experience violence each year

In addition to the risk of physical injury and death, gender-based violence can impact the mental and social well-being of survivors. Experiencing gender-based violence can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. [1] Survivors may also become isolated from family and friends and may develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance use. [2] 

Hundreds of women and gender-diverse people access services through Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis each year. An area graph shows the number of unique women and gender-diverse people who accessed services through Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis from the 2015/2016 fiscal year to the 2023/2024 fiscal year. For a full description of the graph, refer to the “Read graph as text” section. The x-axis shows the fiscal year, and the y-axis shows the number of women and gender-diverse people who accessed services. The number who accessed services ranged from 956 to 1,499. Source: Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
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References

  1. Chrisler, J. C., & Ferguson, S. (2006). Violence against women as a public health issue. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1087, 235–249. 
  2. Morris, M. (2016). Acting on violence against women is a blueprint for health. Canadian Network of Women’s Shelters & Transition Homes, & YWCA Canada. 
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Data sources

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. (n.d.). Annual report & audited statements 2015–2016 annual report.

 

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