International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- Nov 25, 2025
- 2 min read
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, calling attention to gender-based violence (GBV), one of the most persistent human rights violations worldwide and a serious, ongoing issue in Canada.
GBV is harm directed at a person based on their actual or perceived gender, gender identity, or gender expression, violence rooted in gender inequality, and systemic oppression. Although GBV can affect anyone, women and girls are disproportionately at risk, with increased vulnerability among those experiencing multiple forms of marginalization, including gender-diverse and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, Indigenous and racialized women, immigrants, refugees, women living in northern, rural, or remote regions, and women with disabilities. In addition to experiencing higher rates of GBV, they also face the greatest barriers to support and protection.
The Alliance against Violence and Adversity (AVA) recognizes the need for evidence-based strategies and training to strengthen service provider competencies in supporting girls, women, and gender-diverse people affected by violence and early adversity. AVA’s training platforms and research initiatives equip organizations and practitioners across sectors to deliver effective, trauma-informed supports that better address gendered forms of violence and adverse childhood experiences. AVA’s work helps close critical gaps in service delivery and promotes better outcomes for communities disproportionately affected by violence and systemic inequities.
AVA provides free, self-paced online training for practitioners, researchers, students, and community agencies across multiple sectors. With a no-cost membership registration, members gain access to a wide range of courses, and those who complete designated curriculum areas are eligible to apply for an online course certificate. HERHealth, an AVA-produced podcast, is another educational resource. Hosted by Dr. Nicole Letourneau and Dr. Sarah Yercich, HERHealth shares research and industry insights aimed at breaking cycles of violence and improving health outcomes for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
For more information on course curriculum, visit:
For step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in the AVA Online Training Certificate program, see:
For the HERHealth podcast, see: https://avatraining.ca/herhealthpodcast/
