Marginalized communities were hit harder by the pandemic, increasing existing structural inequalities that existed prior to the pandemic. Newcomer, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S and disabled women were more at risk of experiencing gender-based violence. Indigenous women are still three times more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with 1 in 5 Indigenous women facing intimate partner violence. Despite this, there is a lack of access to culturally sensitive services made by and for Indigenous women. Newcomer women are more likely to face isolation, financial difficulties, and discrimination and are at greater risk of experiencing gender-based violence. Similarly, racialized women report higher levels of gender discrimination and are more likely to be in low-income situations, putting them at risk of being unable to leave an abusive partner due to lack of savings. LGBTQ2S individuals are also at greater risk of experiencing social isolation and bullying, financial difficulties, and intimate partner violence.

Best Practices

1. Enhance support services for survivors of GBV by offering trauma-informed care, counseling, and legal assistance tailored to the needs of diverse populations.
2. Implement outreach programs to ensure marginalized communities are aware of available resources and feel empowered to seek support without fear of discrimination or stigma.
3. Advocate for policies that prioritize healthcare equity and ensure LGBTQ+-inclusive and culturally competent care for all individuals.
4. Incorporate intersectional approaches into GBV prevention and intervention strategies, recognizing the complex and interconnected forms of discrimination faced by marginalized communities.
5. Advocate for systemic changes to address poverty, discrimination, and structural inequalities that perpetuate GBV and hinder access to support services.
6. Create platforms for marginalized voices to be heard and actively participate in decision-making processes related to social services, GBV prevention, and policy development.
7. Support community-led initiatives and grassroots organizations that empower marginalized communities to advocate for their rights and drive systemic change.

Despite increases in intimate partner violence throughout the pandemic, the stay-at-home orders limited survivors’ access to clinics, shelters, and other organizations. Some organizations were not deemed essential or were limited in what services they could provide, which significantly constrained the services survivors could access. Barriers to access included a lack of privacy at home when using online services, a lack of access to online services, a lack of availability or space in shelters, fears about contracting COVID-19, and a preoccupation with other stressors. Access to care was especially challenging for victims of intimate partner violence who lived in rural and remote areas and in Indigenous communities.

Best Practices:

1. Expand access to services in rural and remote areas and to services made by and for Indigenous peoples.
2. Engage in advocacy efforts to strengthen legal frameworks and policies related to GBV prevention, protection, and survivor support and ensure funding is available even in emergency situations.
3. Ensure funding is reflective of the increased demand for services for gender based violence.

Many organizations faced funding challenges throughout the pandemic, and not every service that was available prior to the pandemic recovered. There was also a lack of funding for advocacy work and research on new forms of technology-facilitated GBV that became more common throughout the pandemic. Many women’s shelters faced rising costs, an increased demand for their services, and a shortage of staff.

Best Practices:

1. Engage in advocacy efforts to strengthen legal frameworks and policies related to funding GBV prevention, protection, and survivor support.
2. Ensure that a crisis response plan is developed that accounts for funding needs in times of an emergency situation.

As many services moved online, those that did not have access to the internet or other technology were left unable to access much needed support services. Some victims of intimate partner violence lacked access to technology as a form of coercive control at the hands of their abusers, while others felt unsafe or a lack of privacy in accessing care in their own homes that they shared with their abusers. For those that could access online services, many felt more comfortable talking over the phone or online, and access to technology facilitated connection and combatted feelings of loneliness over the pandemic. Technology has also increased the flexibility of providing counselling and other services, but many also liked to have the option of accessing services in person in a hybrid format. Technology has also been a way to facilitate gender-based violence. Women have been subject to stalking, harassment, image based sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence through the use of technology.

Best Practices:

1. Enhance accessibility to online services, especially in rural and remote areas and in Indigenous communities.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of online counselling to determine the appropriate balance between virtual and in-person interactions.
3. Ensure survivors also have access to in-person services, as online services are not an option for some.
4. Develop and promote digital safety measures to protect victims of GBV from online harassment, stalking, and technology-facilitated violence and educate service providers on these new forms of gender-based violence.

By centering the needs and experiences of marginalized communities in #Shecovery efforts, social service providers and GBV support organizations can contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive post-pandemic society. This playbook serves as a guide to empower survivors, address poverty issues, and promote intersectional equity in the wake of the pandemic.