Womanact

Womanact WomanACT envisions a world where women are free from violence. See the Best Practice Guidelines.

WomanACT works collaboratively to eradicate violence against women through research, policy, education and community mobilization. The organization was founded upon the need to develop clear policy and procedures with respect to screening, identifying and intervening in woman abuse cases. This is essential because without policy development, each practitioner responds based on her/his own personal bias and discretion. Only through policy development that guides practice, can professional staff can be held accountable for their intervention. Over the years, as we have matured, the organization has moved into doing research, completed best practice guidelines, and created a number of powerful community education tools. Through our ongoing work we are continually exploring new issues and continuing to build community capacity by developing resources and tools for front line practitioners.

Why does the municipal election matter?Municipal decisions shape the housing, transit, social services and community sup...
10/09/2026

Why does the municipal election matter?

Municipal decisions shape the housing, transit, social services and community supports that people rely on every day.

For people experiencing gender-based violence, these systems can make the difference between staying unsafe and being able to access safety, support and stability. From affordable and supportive housing, to accessible transit, responsive City services and funding for community-based organizations, what happens at City Hall affects how people experience safety and support across Toronto.

That’s why gender-based violence needs to be part of the municipal conversation.

Safe. Housed. Supported. Equal.

This election, take the time to learn what candidates are proposing, ask specific questions, and look for concrete commitments to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Toronto.

Your vote helps shape the city we all live in.

Learn more at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/

🗣️Questions to ask candidatesYour questions can help bring GBV, housing, safety, economic security, and access to servic...
10/08/2026

🗣️Questions to ask candidates

Your questions can help bring GBV, housing, safety, economic security, and access to services into the election conversation.

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together questions you can ask candidates about:

🏙️ Community safety
🏠 Housing
🚇 Transit and public spaces
💰 Economic security
🤝 City services

Ask for specific commitments — not just statements of support.

Use these questions to start a conversation, learn where candidates stand, and help keep GBV on the municipal election agenda.

Safe. Housed. Supported. Equal.

Learn more at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/

🗓️ Mark your calendar!Knowing the key election dates can help you plan ahead and make sure you have time to vote.📅 Octob...
10/07/2026

🗓️ Mark your calendar!

Knowing the key election dates can help you plan ahead and make sure you have time to vote.

📅 October 6–11— Advance voting, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
📅 October 10–11— Kids Vote weekend at advance voting locations
📅 October 11 — Deadline to apply to vote by mail
📅 October 14 — Deadline to add or update your information on the voters’ list
📅 October 26 — Election Day

Save this post and share it with someone who might find it helpful!

We’ll continue sharing practical resources to help you learn, ask questions, and engage in Toronto’s municipal election through a gender-based violence lens.

Learn more at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/

Building safer, more accountable AILast month, WomanACT collected feedback from our members on AI transparency and techn...
10/07/2026

Building safer, more accountable AI

Last month, WomanACT collected feedback from our members on AI transparency and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Thank you to everyone who participated and helped bring the expertise of the VAW sector and survivor experiences into this conversation.

WomanACT has submitted a response to the Government of Canada’s AI transparency consultation, highlighting the need for:

🔹 Survivor safety and privacy
🔹 Clear AI labelling and rapid removal of harmful content
🔹 Safety-by-design and platform accountability
🔹 Better tracking of AI-facilitated GBV
🔹 Meaningful involvement of survivors and the GBV sector

Transparency should be a foundation for accountability—not a substitute for it.

Read the full submission at https://womanact.ca/publications/womanact-submission-to-innovation-science-and-economic-development-canada-enhancing-trust-in-artificial-intelligence-through-increased-transparency/

Election season can bring a lot of information your way. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay informed and make d...
10/06/2026

Election season can bring a lot of information your way. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay informed and make decisions based on reliable information.

📻 Follow credible local and mainstream news sources through radio, TV, or online.

🎧 Subscribe to trusted newsletters or podcasts if a news subscription isn’t an option.

💬 Talk about the issues with trusted friends, family, and community members.

✅ Make sure you’re registered to vote!

Prepare ahead — and watch out for misinformation. Check where information comes from before sharing it, especially on social media.

We’ll continue sharing resources to help you navigate the municipal election and engage with it through a gender-based violence lens.

Learn more at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/

WomanACT is deeply concerned by the recent series of assaults on TTC buses in Scarborough and the impact these incidents...
10/05/2026

WomanACT is deeply concerned by the recent series of assaults on TTC buses in Scarborough and the impact these incidents have on riders’ sense of safety when using public transit.

No one should have to fear being assaulted while commuting to work, travelling home, or simply moving through their city. Violence and harassment on public transit can affect how people travel, when they travel, and whether they feel able to use public transit at all.

Read WomanACT’s full statement on safety for women on public transit, including our call for safer, more accessible transit for everyone.

Read the full statement: https://womanact.ca/womanact-statement-on-safety-for-women-on-public-transit/

Safe. Housed. Supported. Equal.What would it take to build a Toronto where everyone can live free from gender-based viol...
10/02/2026

Safe. Housed. Supported. Equal.

What would it take to build a Toronto where everyone can live free from gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is not only an individual or interpersonal issue. It is also shaped by the conditions in which people live — including whether they can access safe and affordable housing, move safely through the city, access public spaces and services, and find the supports they need.

Many of these conditions are shaped by municipal decisions.

The City of Toronto has responsibilities and levers related to housing and homelessness services, public transit, transportation and street design, public spaces, community and social services, emergency services, and local economic and community development. These areas can play an important role in preventing violence, reducing barriers to safety and support, and creating more equitable communities.

This election is an opportunity to ask candidates how they would use the City’s existing responsibilities, services and resources to help build safer, more equitable communities.

Follow along and get informed ahead of Toronto’s municipal election on October 26, 2026.

💡Learn more about the Toronto municipal elections: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, WomanACT staff reflected on the importance of listening to lived experienc...
10/01/2026

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, WomanACT staff reflected on the importance of listening to lived experiences and Indigenous voices—not only on September 30th, but every day.

Honouring truth means acknowledging Canada’s colonial foundations and the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities. This includes understanding how systems of violence, displacement, and discrimination continue to shape experiences of gender-based violence.

Reconciliation requires listening, learning, and taking action toward safer, more equitable communities. We honour the truth by making space for Indigenous voices and supporting the work of Indigenous communities and leaders.

Thank you to the Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto, APTN, and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for bringing community together to learn and reflect.

October 1st marks International Senior's Day. Gender-based violence (GBV) does not stop with age. Older women can experi...
10/01/2026

October 1st marks International Senior's Day.

Gender-based violence (GBV) does not stop with age. Older women can experience intimate partner violence, financial and economic abuse, coercive control, and other forms of violence that can be shaped by ageism, gender inequality, and social isolation.

Recognizing and responding to GBV against older women means ensuring that older survivors are included in prevention, services, policy, and systems change.

Learn more about violence against older women and the ways we can strengthen responses at https://womanact.ca/publications/infographic-violence-against-older-women/

Truth and Reconciliation calls on all of us to listen, learn, and take action.For those working to end gender-based viol...
09/30/2026

Truth and Reconciliation calls on all of us to listen, learn, and take action.

For those working to end gender-based violence, reconciliation means understanding how colonialism and systemic inequities continue to shape experiences of violence, safety, and access to support.

It means recognizing the strength, knowledge, and leadership of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, while challenging the systems that continue to cause harm.

Today, we honour Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

Reconciliation is not a single day or a statement. It is an ongoing responsibility grounded in accountability, learning, and action.

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1652 Keele Street, Suite 129
Toronto, ON
M6M3W3

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+14169449242

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