Toronto Humane Society Speaks Up During 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

TORONTO, ON – November 28, 2024 – Toronto Humane Society is proud to stand with communities worldwide for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This annual campaign calls for urgent action to eliminate violence against women, girls, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue, with one in three Canadian women experiencing interpersonal violence in their lifetime (Statistics Canada, 2021). In Canada, the campaign also intersects with Woman Abuse Prevention Month (WAPM) and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, honouring the 14 women lost in the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy.

“The 16 Days of Activism is a vital reminder of the role we all play in addressing and preventing gender-based violence,” says Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Work at Toronto Humane Society. “As we work to protect people and animals from harm, we recognize the deep and often devastating connection between interpersonal violence and animal cruelty. Survivors face complex barriers, and addressing those barriers requires collaboration and compassion.”

Toronto Humane Society’s Urgent Care program highlights how animal welfare and social work can come together to support survivors of domestic violence. The program provides temporary care for pets of individuals in crisis, ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. For many survivors, fear for their pets’ wellbeing can delay their decision to leave unsafe environments. By offering this lifeline, Toronto Humane Society helps preserve the human-animal bond while supporting survivours on their path to safety.

The organization is also a key member of the Canadian Violence Link Coalition, advocating for systemic change and raising awareness of the links between violence against animals and people. Dodson has been elected as co-chair of this Coalition. This year, Toronto Humane Society joined the “Promising Practices Project,” a national initiative to engage men and boys as allies in preventing gender-based violence through humane education.

To further its commitment, Dillon Dodson and the Social Work team recently attended the “Wrapped in Courage” flag-raising event at Toronto City Hall on November 22. Organized by Aura Freedom International and Women’s Habitat, this event served as a powerful call to action, uniting community members in solidarity with survivors of intimate partner violence.