Gender-Based Violence
Prevent Gender-Based Violence at Work
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a workplace hazard that affects safety, wellbeing, and workplace culture across Ontario.
- 85% of employers say gender-based violence is a workplace issue
- 1 in 5 workers have witnessed it at work
Statistics from the PSHSA GBV workplace study.
Get started with the right tools for your role
Understand Gender-Based Violence at Work
Gender-based violence is harm, harassment, or abuse based on sex, gender, or identity.
It can include:
- Sexual harassment
- Violence outside of work that affects the workplace
- Technology-facilitated harm and violence
Technology-facilitated harm and violence (sometimes called digital harm) is a form of gender-based violence.
It affects safety at work and can make it hard to focus.
PSHSA research shows 39% of workers reported witnessing technology-facilitated harassment.
GBV can be:
- Subtle or obvious
- Ongoing or one-time
- Experienced differently depending on risk and barriers
Some workers face higher risk, including women, racialized workers, Indigenous workers, newcomers to Canada, and gender-diverse individuals.
Everyone deserves a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace.
About the GBV Toolkit
What it is
A set of downloadable resources to help workplaces prevent, recognize, and respond to gender-based violence.
Who it’s for
- Employers – strengthen workplace violence and harassment programs and meet OHSA responsibilities
- Supervisors – recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and support workers
- Workers – understand GBV, report concerns, and access support
Types of resources
- Learning modules and videos
- Supervisor guidance and practical resources
- Posters, infographics, ad one-pagers
- Templates, scripts, and guides
Getting Started with the GBV Toolkit
For employers
Start by downloading the full toolkit.
It helps employers:
- Strengthen your workplace violence and harassment program
- Support early identification and reporting
- Ensure consistent and appropriate responses
- Meet OHSA responsibilities
Use the toolkit to:
- Support your team:
- Workers: direct them to the learning hub
- Supervisors: direct them to the learning hub, including the supervisor playbook
- Use in training, onboarding, and team discussions
- Integrate into policies, procedures, and response practices
- Contact PSHSA eLicensing to embed it into your LMS or internal systems
Resources can be used together or on their own.
Explore Toolkit Resources
GBV Learning Hub
Guided learning for workers and supervisors
Supervisor Playbook
Practical guidance for preventing and responding
Identifying GBV at Work – Resource Pack
Identify warning signs and indicators
Reporting GBV at Work – Resource Pack
Support safe reporting practices and next steps
Technology Safety – Resource Pack
Address technology-facilitated harm and safety risks
Intersectionality and Risk
Understand how risk differs across workers
Financial Safety and Support – Resource Pack
Understand leave and workplace supports
Find Support
Confidential help is available:
- 211 Ontario – Call or text 211
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1 866 863 0511 (24/7); text SAFE to 7233
- Fem’aide – Call or text 1 877 336 2433
- iHEAL – Online and app-based support
Workers have the right to job-protected leave.
Research and Evidence
This work is grounded in research with Ontario workplaces.