YWCA Canada is helping shape new national resources that give young people the tools to understand consent, challenge victim-blaming and prevent gender-based violence. 

Imagine a friend tells you that someone touched them in a way that made them uncomfortable. Before they can say much more, someone responds: “Well, you were probably giving mixed signals.” 

What would you say? 

Knowing how to recognize victim-blaming, understand consent and support someone who has experienced gender-based violence are important skills — and ones we can all help build. 

That’s why YWCA Canada contributed its expertise to the development of new resources from Women and Gender Equality Canada’s It’s Not Just campaign. 

The resources are designed to help young people explore consent, boundaries and victim-blaming, while giving parents, caregivers, educators and other adults practical tools to support these conversations. 

The new youth learning module explores how consent and victim-blaming can show up in everyday life. It also features the HEART method, created by YWCA Canada, as a practical approach to responding to someone who has experienced gender-based violence with care and without judgment. 

For the adults in young people’s lives, the campaign offers resources to help start and navigate conversations about gender-based violence, consent and healthy relationships. 

YWCA Canada has worked across the country for decades to advance gender equality and prevent gender-based violence. Contributing to It’s Not Just is one way we bring that experience to national efforts to give young people and their communities the knowledge and tools they need. 

Explore the resources 

For youth: Module 5 – Understanding consent and challenging victim-blaming 

For adults: Resources to support the youth in your life 

Learn more about YWCA Canada’s work to end gender-based violence.