This recently updated learning series will help you to identify, respond to and address gender-based violence. As health sector workers, we all have a role to play in supporting those who have experienced or are living with gender-based violence.
A collaboration between the BC Ministry of Health, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre and the
Ending Violence Association of BC, this online series is designed for anyone who works in the health sector. It teaches skills and techniques for responding to disclosures of gender-based violence, and addressing the impacts of vicarious trauma, which may arise for some health workers.
The series now includes a dedicated course on addressing sexual assault entitled, "Introduction to Sexual Assault".
Gender-based violence, which includes intimate partner violence and sexual assault, is a serious health issue that impacts many people in Canada. GBV can affect anyone at any point across the lifespan. Some groups, including Indigenous women, face greater risk of gender-based violence and/or barriers to accessing health care.
The World Health Organization, Status of Women Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada all recognize the need for improved health sector response to gender-based violence.
According to the World Health Organization, “a healthcare provider is likely to be the first professional contact for survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual assault,” two of the most common forms of gender-based violence.
