Sexual Violence and Declaring Gender‑Based Violence a Public Health Crisis: What It Means

Gender‑based violence (GBV), including sexual violence, has long been recognised as a serious societal issue - but in Canada there is growing momentum to treat it as a public‑health crisis. This reframing shifts the conversation from criminal justice alone to a broader, systemic perspective, emphasising prevention, early intervention, and the health and well‑being of survivors.

Understanding Gender‑Based Violence

GBV encompasses any act of violence or abuse directed at someone based on their gender. Sexual violence - a critical and often under‑reported component of GBV - includes sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and exploitation. The impacts are profound, from physical injuries to long‑term psychological trauma, social and economic consequences, and ripple effects through families and communities.

Why Declare GBV a Public Health Crisis?

Declaring GBV a public health crisis reframes the issue:

1. Recognition of Widespread Impact
   In Canada, for example, around 44 % of women say they have experienced some form of violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (Government of Canada)
   
   Also, police‑reported data shows that in 2022 there were 117,093 victims of intimate partner violence aged 12 years and older, and 78% of those victims were women and girls. (Government of Canada)
   
   These figures show the prevalence and severity of GBV in Canada and underscore why it’s not just an isolated crime but a broad public health concern.
   
   
2. Focus on Prevention
   A public health approach emphasises preventing violence before it occurs. This involves education programmes, community engagement, and policies that address structural inequalities - such as gender power imbalances, discrimination, and intersectional vulnerabilities.
   
   
3. Integrated Support Systems
   Under this model, survivors have access to comprehensive care - including medical care, mental health support, legal advocacy, safe housing, and social services. It encourages collaboration among healthcare providers, community organisations, and policy makers.
   
   
4. Data‑Driven Solutions
   Treating GBV as a public health issue promotes research and data collection to understand prevalence, risk factors, and effective interventions. For example, Canada’s federal snapshot shows that among women with disabilities, 55% have experienced intimate partner violence since age 15, compared with 37% of women without disabilities. (Government of Canada)

   
   These kinds of detailed statistics enable targeted prevention and response strategies.

The Role of Healthcare and Mental Health Providers

Healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for survivors. A trauma‑informed approach is essential: professionals must provide empathetic, non‑judgemental support, ensure safety, and connect survivors to the appropriate resources. Recognising GBV as a public health crisis reinforces the critical role of healthcare providers not only in recovery, but in prevention and early intervention.

A Call to Collective Action

Addressing sexual violence and GBV is not the responsibility of survivors alone - it requires systemic change. Policies, education, healthcare, and community programmes must work together to reduce risk, support survivors, and create safer environments for everyone. Declaring GBV a public health crisis isn’t just a statement - it’s a commitment to sustainable, structural change.

At MindSense Canada, we recognize the complex realities of GBV and sexual violence. Declaring it a public health crisis frames it as a systemic issue affecting health, well-being, and safety. Approaching GBV with empathy, evidence, and system-level awareness highlights the broad social, psychological, and health impacts, while underscoring the importance of trauma-informed care and integrated support for survivors.

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