GBV (Gender Based Violence) Toolkit for teens
Share Your Voice
We encourage teens to share their thoughts, experiences, and stories through the BTSDV platform. By using your voice, you can help raise awareness about gender-based violence, empower your peers, and inspire change.
Together, let’s break the silence around GBV and help build a safer, more supportive world for everyone.
What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful actions directed at an individual based on their gender identity or perceived gender.
GBV can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.
While GBV can happen to anyone, it disproportionately affects women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.
Types of Gender-Based Violence Teens Should Know
- Physical Violence: Hitting, slapping, or any form of physical harm.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Insults, threats, or manipulation intended to damage self-esteem or emotional well-being.
- Sexual Violence: Any unwanted or coerced sexual activity or contact.
- Cyber Abuse: Online harassment, cyberbullying, sextortion, and digital stalking.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling or restricting access to money, banking, or essential resources.
Recognizing the Signs of GBV
- In Yourself:
- Feeling scared, anxious, or controlled in your relationships.
- Being forced to do things you’re uncomfortable with.
- Receiving constant criticism, threats, or verbal abuse.
- In Others:
- Unexplained injuries or frequent bruises.
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities.
- Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance.
- Unexplained injuries or frequent bruises.
- Your Rights:
As a teen, you have the right to:- Live free from violence, abuse, and manipulation.
- Say “no” to anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Access help and support if you’re experiencing abuse or trauma.
- Feel safe at home, at school, and in your community.
- Live free from violence, abuse, and manipulation.
What You Can Do If You’re Experiencing GBV
- Talk to a Trusted Adult:
Share your situation with a teacher, counselor, parent, or guardian who can support you. - Reach Out to Support Services:
Call or text hotlines for immediate assistance:- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- BTSDV Helpline: 1-855-906-6486
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Document the Abuse:
Keep a record of incidents, messages, or injuries—only if it is safe to do so. - Know When to Leave:
If the situation becomes dangerous, remove yourself and seek help immediately.
Supporting a Friend Who May Be Experiencing GBV
- Listen Without Judgment:
Let them share their story freely—without interrupting or questioning them.
- Believe Them:
Many survivors fear not being believed. Your support matters.
- Offer Help:
Encourage them to speak to a counselor, trusted adult, or call a support hotline.
Staying Safe Online
Protect yourself from digital abuse and cyber harassment with these safety practices:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid posting your location, phone number, or other sensitive details online.
- Block and Report Abusers: If someone harasses you online, block them and report the behavior to the platform.
- Limit Location Sharing: Be cautious when sharing your real-time location through apps or social media.
Tell Someone You Trust: If you experience cyber abuse, talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or counselor.
Myths and Facts About GBV
Myth: GBV only happens to girls.
Fact: Anyone—regardless of gender—can experience gender-based violence.
Myth: If they didn’t fight back, it wasn’t abuse.
Fact: Freezing in fear is a common trauma response. Not reacting physically does not mean it wasn’t abuse.
Myth: Only physical abuse is serious.
Fact: Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging and long-lasting.
Healthy Relationships Checklist
A healthy relationship should include:
- Respect: Your opinions, boundaries, and identity are valued.
- Communication is open, honest, and non-judgmental.
- Communication is open, honest, and non-judgmental.
- Equality: Both partners share equal decision-making power and control.
- Support: Each partner encourages the other’s goals, dreams, and emotional well-being.
If you’re experiencing the opposite of any of these, it could be a sign of an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
Resources and Hotlines
- Kids Help Phone:
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 - BTSDV Helpline:
1-855-906-6486 - Canadian Centre for Child Protection:
1-866-658-9022
Cybertip.ca — Report online abuse - Local Women’s Shelters and Youth Support Centers
(Search for regional services in your area or contact the numbers above for help locating them.)
Take the Pledge
We encourage teens to take the BTSDV Pledge to stand against gender-based violence.
“I pledge to:
Respect others’ boundaries.
Stand up against bullying, harassment, and abuse.
Support friends and family experiencing violence.
Educate myself about GBV and help create a safer community.”
Activities and Engagement
Interactive Learning:
- Scenario-Based Learning: Discuss real-life examples and practice how to respond to gender-based violence (GBV) situations.
- Role-Playing Activities: Learn how to offer support through realistic, guided peer conversations.
- Digital Safety Workshops: Gain knowledge on online safety and protecting personal information.
Empowerment Sessions:
- Self-Esteem & Boundaries Workshops: Learn how to build healthy relationships and set personal boundaries.
- Red Flag Awareness Training: Recognize early warning signs in friendships and romantic relationships.