We actively support research that sheds light on the issue of gender-based violence. We share this research and our community’s services and resources through our Speaker Series.

We also collaborate with groups working to end gender-based violence. Together, we strive to contribute to conversations and find solutions to issues such as gender-based violence, youth and drinking, and engaging men in violence prevention.

Learn more about:

Unsafe at Home Ottawa

Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a bilingual, safe and secure text and chat line for women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Ottawa and in Lanark County who may be experiencing violence in the home. The line operates from 8:30 AM to midnight, seven days a week and provides support, referrals, resources, systems navigation support, and safety planning to chatters. Unsafe at Home Ottawa also keeps a live list of shelter bed availability in Ottawa and area, in order to make the most relevant referrals possible. This up-to-date data base is accessible to other service providers, upon their request.

Tool to navigate online harassment

Online harassment is a serious issue. The Canadian Human Rights Commission defines harassment as, “any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you.” This includes unwelcome online interactions. As we spend more time behind our screens than ever before, it’s important to know how to stay safe online.

That’s why CPO developed the Navigating online flirtationships and harassment tool. It’s designed to help people of all ages safely chat online and features:

  • A checklist to identify harassment
  • Examples of healthy chats versus harassment
  • Links to resources and support

Research tells us that people of colour and 2SLGBTQ+ people are disproportionally targeted by online harassers. What’s more, 62% of girls in Canada have been harassed or abused online, according to Plan International. Everyone deserves to feel safe online.

Violence prevention for 2SLGBTQ+ youth

Ottawa youth need more support and better access to services according to a 2021 Needs Assessment of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults with Regard to Violence Prevention. Here are the key findings:

  • More support is needed for trans and racialized individuals
  • Information about existing services is not reaching intended audiences
  • Service locations are difficult to access
  • There are fears surrounding the service process

The results were released at a 2021 virtual event. Hear more about the research, findings and how you can put these recommendations into action on YouTube.

This study was commissioned by CPO in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. It supports CPO’s work to better understand the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Ottawa.

Social media and violence

Social media can play a tragic and life-changing role in gender-based violence. It’s an issue that needs attention.

Social media and kids

Crime Prevention Ottawa has developed a social media cootie catcher for kids aged 8 – 12. This interactive tool gives tips to help youth stay safe on various social media platforms. There is also a social media tips sheet to help parents understand how the platforms work and what to watch for.

Social media and teens

Together with the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, Crime Prevention Ottawa commissioned research that culminated in the report, Sexual Violence, Social Media and Youth.

Project SoundCheck

With support from Crime Prevention Ottawa, the Sexual Assault Network partnered with the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women for Project SoundCheck. The program teaches event volunteers to recognize and handle situations that may look like sexual assaults at large festivals and events. A 2014 study by the Ottawa Hospital Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program found that of the 204 new cases of sexual assault reported to the program in 2013, 25% of them happened at festivals, parties and other big events. Bluesfest, Escapade Music Festival and Canada Day festivities in Kanata have all taken the training. Volunteers learn strategies to intervene in sexual assaults and how to get help.