December 6th, 2025: Gallery Walk-through Activity
On December 6th, 2025, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, our community gathered to honour, mourn and remember the lives of the women and children across Ontario who have lost their lives this year due to the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence.
After the vigil, we asked 6 questions of those who attended regarding how we end all forms of violence against all women. Thank you to all who showed up, participated, and added their voice to this movement. It takes an entire community to create change.
These were the responses from our community:
What attitudes in our communities needs to change to end violence against women and gender-diverse people?
You told us that our community needs to change attitudes that…
dismiss, belittle or blame those who have experienced violence
disguise oppression and abuse as “traditional values”
enable feelings of entitlement or superiority amongst men
enable feelings of complacency amongst men towards gender justice.
suggest that women need to be silenced or controlled by their partners
don’t centre the needs of women and children
suggest that gender-based violence is a “women’s issue”
dismiss the scale and severity of gender-based violence in our community
What role do governments play in ending violence against women?
You told us that our municipalities play a role by…
advocating for increased funding and resources
amplifying the voices of local women’s shelters and sexual assault counselling centres to increase public awareness
ensuring that residents are aware of their rights, and what supports are available to them before they need them
advocating for public education in local schools on topics of consent and healthy relationships
listening to the needs voiced by members of the community
calling out bad attitudes in council chambers
create opportunities for honest discussions and gatherings in collaboration with organizations doing gender-based violence work specifically
making violence against women central to their community health & wellbeing plan in collaboration with organizations doing gender-based violence work specifically.
advocating for more mental health supports that are free and accessible for all
advocate for funding for more training for first responders and front-line staff.
What barriers could be removed to help women and gender-diverse persons experience safety and wellbeing?
You told us that the barriers that could be removed were…
a lack of safe, affordable or supportive housing
a lack of emergency beds for those fleeing abuse
judgment and blame when women do seek help
a lack of harm-reduction approaches amongst Violence Against Women organizations
a lack of medical supports
alternative options (i.e. restorative or transformative justice), or reform within the legal system
a lack of women in public office
a lack of public education around gender-based violence
a lack of funding
What role do men play in ending violence against women?
You told us that we need the men in our community to…
be an involved community member who actively works towards making change
understand that power that is built together is far greater than power that is held over others
model and teach respectful non-coercive and non-violent behaviour to children
be vulnerable when you are struggling and ask for support
look for signs of struggle in the men in your life and offer support
hold one another accountable for harmful behaviour you witness
learn the differences between “calling out,” “calling in,” and “cancellation,” and what are appropriate situations for each
educate yourself and your family/friends on topics of consent and coercion from a feminist lens
imagine a model for masculinity that holds respect for all life at its core
believe, support and stand with women, children and gender-diverse people if they share with you about a violent or oppressive experience
spend time listening to the stories of violence or oppression of those in your life or community
What conditions allow violence against women and gender-diverse persons to exist and thrive?
You told us that the conditions that allow violence to exist and thrive are…
a lack of diversity amongst those in power
the limitations of our current legal system
a collective silencing around issues of violence and oppression
systemic forms of oppression that exploit some for the benefit of others (capitalism, hetero-patriarchy, colonialism, white supremacy)
socioeconomic inequalities
raising children with sexist or misogynistic values
perpetuating strict gender roles and stereotypes
the cyclical nature of abuse (hurt people hurt people)
the expectations put on survivors within our legal system
not teaching concepts in schools such as respect and consent
the silence of men on this issue, or worse, their dismissal
a lack of resources or beds for those fleeing violence
What would a community without violence against women and gender-diverse persons look like?
You told us that a community without violence would look or feel like…
gathering around arts and storytelling for the purpose of change-making
heart-warming, loving, happy, safe, clear, open, honest, peaceful, fun, harmonious, welcoming, free, compassionate, equitable
justice and liberation for all beings, understanding that we are all connected
reduced fear, anxiety and self-protection measures
room for everyone to be who they are and do what they want, without harsh judgment
a communal, honest and non-punitive response to harm caused
more ability to connect with one another without fear of prejudice
more ability to express who you truly are without fear of prejudice