Canada’s gender‑based violence laws are improving. Frontline worker conditions are not

“Burnout is a reality. But in my organization, you are not allowed to bring it up. It’s one of those topics — because they believe that they’re doing everything to avoid it, but it’s happening.”

Ways to fix a broken system
B.C.’s experience points to a responsibility federal, provincial and territorial governments share. They have a legal and moral responsibility to address these fault lines in Canada’s GBV response sector. The current momentum provides a unique opportunity for governments to tangibly back up their commitments.

A thriving anti-violence sector can better support its workers, who can in turn better help GBV survivors benefit from expanding legal protections.

With that said, a systemic reckoning should include:

• Sufficient and sustainable funding for core operations in the anti-violence sector.
• Long-term and stable jobs with access to benefits for frontline workers.
• A living wage for frontline workers, with an accountability framework to monitor sector wages.
• Workplace safety through workload regulation and management, supported by sufficient training and union engagement.
• Structured organizational supports for worker wellness and positive work culture policies.

Link to full story here.