December 6th, 2025: Gallery Walk-through Activity

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 

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

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

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.

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

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