Changing the Narrative: Improving How We Communicate About Gender-Based Violence

A free training opportunity open to service providers, advocates, journalists, regional staff and professionals who speak publicly about gender-based violence.

How we talk about gender-based violence matters. The language we use, the stories we tell, and the perspectives we centre can shape public understanding, influence prevention, and affect how survivors are perceived and supported. Join Peel Region and Aura Freedom for a free, interactive training exploring how we can improve the way we communicate about gender-based violence and challenge the harmful narratives that allow it to persist.

This training brings together people from different sectors to reflect on how GBV is discussed, represented, and understood, and how our communication practices can contribute to greater awareness, accountability, and prevention. Through Aura Freedom’s GBV In The Media initiative, GBV experts and media stakeholders have collaborated to develop guidelines that encourage more accurate, contextual, and survivor-centred media coverage.

This session builds on that work, exploring lessons that are relevant not only to journalists, but also to service providers, advocates, regional staff, and community stakeholders who communicate about or respond to gender-based violence in their work and communities. Together, we will explore how to:

● Recognize common misconceptions, harmful stereotypes, and narratives surrounding GBV.

● Identify victim-blaming language and communication that minimizes, excuses, or misrepresents violence.

● Consider whose voices and perspectives are centered, and whose may be overlooked.

● Communicate about survivors in ways that respect their dignity, agency, privacy, and lived experiences.

● Provide meaningful context and promote greater understanding and accountability.

● Consider how more accurate, thoughtful, and survivor-centered communication can contribute to GBV prevention.

This training is open to anyone interested in improving how gender-based violence is communicated about and understood, including regional staff, service providers, media professionals, journalists, reporters, GBV advocates, students.

No matter your role or sector, the way we communicate about GBV can influence how others understand the issue and respond to it. Improving the way we communicate about gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. By challenging harmful narratives, providing meaningful context, and centering survivors with dignity and respect, we can help foster a more informed and accountable response to GBV.

We all have a role to play in changing the narrative. We look forward to welcoming you.

Peel Region would like to recognize the Ontario Nurses' Association for their financial support of this event.

Aura Freedom's GBV In the Media initiative is made possible with the support of the Government of Ontario.