Safe & Strong
Gender-Based Violence in the GTHA
A community-based research project examining how anti-Black racism and COVID-19 compound gender-based violence for Black girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
Why we did this research
In 2021, the Ontario Learning Development Foundation (OLDF) launched the Safe & Strong project to document how gender-based violence affects Black girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals in the GTHA — and how the COVID-19 pandemic made an existing crisis worse.
This research centres community voices. Participants were not just survey respondents — they were advisors, witnesses, and advocates. Their experiences drove every finding in this report, and their recommendations shape every policy ask.
Quantitative data on GBV prevalence, forms of violence, and service awareness
Individual narrative accounts of lived experience with GBV and institutions
Community discussions on shared experiences and recommendations for change
What we found
The data reveals both the scale of the crisis and the structural forces that sustain it.
"A lot of institutions — the police services, hospitals, the judicial system — are historically not kind to us as Black people and Black women. There is definitely widespread racism, and it makes us hesitant to reach out for support because we are not sure we would even get it."
— Research participant (pseudonym: Sharon)"Standing up for myself, I was described as angry."
— Research participant (pseudonym: Sarah)What needs to change
Based on survey findings, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, the Safe & Strong team identified five priority areas for the Ontario Government and community stakeholders.
Introduce mandatory, age-appropriate GBV education across K–12. Students should be able to recognize unhealthy relationships and know what resources exist — before they need them.
Current Ontario law restricts restraining orders primarily to married, common-law, or co-parenting relationships. Survivors in dating or community-based relationships are left without legal protection.
Services that are not culturally competent are, in practice, inaccessible. Targeted investment in Black-led organizations is essential — not optional.
People should know what support exists before they are in crisis. Community-led outreach — not government campaigns alone — is the most effective path.
Increase support for organizations providing legal navigation for women of colour in family court and protection order proceedings, consistent with recommendations from Koshan et al. (2021).
Download the research
All publications from the Safe & Strong project are available below. The community summary is designed for participants, service providers, and community members. The academic article is in progress.
How to cite this research
Ontario Learning Development Foundation. (2026). Safe & Strong: Gender-based violence, anti-Black racism, and mental health access in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. Ontario Learning Development Foundation. https://oldf.org/research-policy/safe-strong/
In the news
As coverage of this research appears, it will be listed here.
If you or someone you know needs help
Reading this research can bring up difficult feelings. You do not have to face this alone.
Assaulted Women's Helpline (Ontario)
1-866-863-0511 (TTY: 1-866-863-7868)
Available 24/7, in multiple languages
Shelterline (Ontario)
1-800-668-6868
Free, confidential shelter referrals
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868
For young people ages 5–29
In immediate danger
Call 911.
If it is not safe to speak, stay on the line — dispatchers are trained to help.
Partner with us
OLDF welcomes collaboration with schools, service providers, policymakers, and community organizations to advance culturally safe violence prevention, survivor support, and institutional accountability.
Let's work together
Whether you want to share this research, co-deliver programming, or explore policy change — we want to hear from you.