Violence against women, also called sexist violence, is, for the most part, gender-based violence. This type of violence can take many forms. It can be physical, verbal, economic, sexual, obstetric, etc. It is the result of inequality between genders and abuse of power. Women and girls are not the only ones who are subject to gender-based violence. However, (too) many of them are victims.
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Domestic violence (marital violence, intimate partner violence) is mainly committed against women, as 78% of domestic violence victims are women. This violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological. Globally, this is one of the most frequent forms of violence suffered by women.
The advent of the internet and its widespread usage has brought about a new form of violence: online violence. 42% of online hate is based on sexism and misogyny. The repercussions of these practices are many: women and girls are excluded from spaces for expression and debate, they lose their self-confidence, develop mental health-related problems, and suffer physical and relationship repercussions.
Economic violence is, above all, an act of domination and control. It can take several forms, such as controlling finances and denying access to funds and bank accounts. It also translates to an imposed state of dependence on the other with respect to financial matters. Women are more often victims of economic violence as their revenue is often lower than that of their partner. This could result in a situation of financial control, a lack of income transparency, and even total dependency.
Femicide is defined as the murder of women. These tragedies are the ultimate and most brutal form of violence exerted against women and girls. One woman or girl is killed every two days in Canada on the basis of her gender.
*This list of different types of violence is not an exhaustive one. If you would like to learn more about the topics of exclusion, violence and inequality: we share information and raise awareness of these issues on our Instagram account.
To help women who are victims of violence, the YWCA has put in place free support and discussion groups, which take place throughout the year. These groups allow women to exchange ideas and share their stories in a safe, receptive and welcoming environment.
Our Youth Services dedicated to youth and their teachers, cover the topic of violence to raise awareness of healthy relationships and prevent abusive behaviour.
We also provide legal information services to advise disadvantaged women on legal issues. Confidential, one-on-one 30-minute consultations with experienced, volunteer lawyers and notaries provide women with information on issues related to family law, criminal law, civil law, among others.
The employment and orientation counsellors of our employability services help women (re)gain their financial autonomy and thus escape cycles of economic violence.
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By donating, you allow YWCA Montreal to help women who are victims of violence through our support and awareness-raising programs and services.
Mobilize your networks and collect funds for the campaign from your friends, your family or your colleagues.
Nadia est parvenue à quitter son conjoint après plusieurs années de violence conjugale.
Pendant cette période noire, elle a interrompu sa carrière et perdu son autonomie financière. Elle a dû repartir de zéro : trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre, rebâtir sa confiance en elle, reconstruire des liens sociaux et professionnels, comprendre ses droits pour pouvoir affronter son ex-compagnon en Cour.
Grâce au toit sécuritaire et aux divers services dont elle a bénéficié au Y des femmes de Montréal, Nadia ose aujourd’hui croire qu’un futur sans violence, sans discrimination, sans inégalité est possible pour elle.
