Mapping Gender-Based Violence Policies Shaping British Columbia’s Anti-Violence Sector

 We invite you to explore the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society’s Social Services Workers on the Frontlines of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response study in partnership between the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) and the SFU Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS). This two-year, community-based research project seeks to better understand the experiences of social service workers who support survivors of GBV. The goal is to inform policy changes that enhance support for those working on the frontlines and, by extension, improve access to resources for survivors.

In April 2025, we released Mapping Gender-Based Violence Policies Shaping British Columbia’s Anti-Violence Sector. This important report identifies the key policies and practices shaping the province’s anti-violence sector today and provides a roadmap for how social service systems can be more effectively supported, equipped, and resourced.

Mapping Gender-Based Violence Policies analyzes Canada’s evolving policy response to GBV—recognizing the diverse and intersectional realities of Indigenous women, racialized communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and newcomers. The report tracks the sector’s shift away from seeing domestic violence as a “private issue” and toward recognizing GBV as a deeply systemic and public concern. This change is reflected in expanding policy areas, increased funding, and multi-level government engagement. 

At the start of the year, the Government of British Columbia acknowledged gender-based violence (GBV) as a national epidemic in its mandate letter to the Minister of Finance (Government of British Columbia, 2025). This commitment signals a stronger focus on ensuring the anti-violence sector is adequately resourced—not only to respond to the effects of GBV but also to proactively address its upstream causes. Furthermore, it reflects the government's commitment to implementing policy shifts that address systemic barriers impacting survivors and anti-violence work. A recent example of this commitment is the announcement of rent support for GBV survivors in British Columbia through the Canada-BC Housing Benefit (BC Housing, 2025).

However, for decades, the anti-violence sector has been pushing for systemic change through fact-finding, collaborations, and advocacy. The ongoing review of the legal system’s treatment of sexual and intimate partner violence is a step in the right direction—if coupled with actionable steps. Now, more than ever, bold action is needed. This report presents an analysis of Canada’s historical and ongoing policy approaches to addressing GBV. It highlights the growing recognition of the diverse experiences and needs of Indigenous women, racialized communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and newcomers. 

To address the gaps and move forward in the fight against GBV, it’s essential to recognize the vital role played by social services workers on the frontlines. These workers are critical in providing direct support to survivors and ensuring that their needs are met in a compassionate, trauma-informed manner.

Important national and provincial strategies have emerged in recent years, including:

• The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (2021)
   
•  The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (2022)
   
• BC’s Safe and Supported: GBV Action Plan (2023)
   

These strategies have expanded shelter access, improved culturally safe services, and enhanced emergency response measures. For example, the Canada–BC Housing Benefit is expected to support 1,700 individuals and families leaving violence or facing housing insecurity (Province of BC, 2023).

However, challenges remain. Many national frameworks, like the National Action Plan, lack full implementation across jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the sector still relies heavily on non-profit organizations—often without stable, long-term funding—leading to service gaps, burnout, and turnover among frontline workers.

Moving Forward

These frameworks have been instrumental in expanding shelter spaces, increasing access to culturally safe services—particularly for Indigenous communities—and improving crisis response. A notable example is the Canada-BC Housing Benefit, which is expected to support approximately 1,700 individuals and families by offering rental assistance during the critical period when someone is leaving violence or facing housing instability (Province of British Columbia, 2023).

While these policies represent meaningful progress, significant gaps remain. The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (Government of Canada, 2022) has yet to be fully implemented across jurisdictions, resulting in inconsistencies in service delivery. Moreover, the sector’s reliance on non profit organizations for frontline services—without stable or long-term funding—continues to hinder planning, burnout prevention, and the development of sustainable solutions (Women's Shelters Canada, 2021; Canadian Women's Foundation, 2023).

To meaningfully address gender-based violence, we must look beyond emergency response and focus on systemic, long-term change. Our research over the past year—including 17 focus groups with frontline social service workers and over 20 interviews with policymakers—makes it clear: those closest to the work have the clearest insight into what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change.

Social service workers are navigating increasing demands with limited resources, all while supporting survivors through deeply complex systems. Their experiences offer critical guidance for designing policies that are responsive, equitable, and grounded in care.

We need policies that do more than address the symptoms of GBV—they must confront its root causes. This includes tackling structural inequalities such as poverty, housing insecurity, colonialism, and systemic discrimination, all of which create environments where violence persists.

By prioritizing prevention, centering lived experience, and building coordinated, well-resourced support systems, we can shape a future where every person—regardless of gender—can live free from violence.