Gender Based Violence Program
The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Restorative Justice Program at Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice offers self-referred, non-contact restorative support for people impacted by gender-based harm.
Gender-based violence is widespread and deeply underreported. In Canada, more than 1 in 3 women and over half of trans and gender-diverse people will experience sexual or gender-based violence in their lifetime. Many survivors never report, or spend years navigating systems that feel slow, overwhelming, or harmful.
This program exists for people who want a different kind of support. One that centres choice, dignity, and agency, without pressure to report, confront, or resolve anything before they are ready. You do not need a police referral, court involvement, or an open file to access this program. People can reach out on their own terms.
Self-Referred,
Non-Contact,
Restorative Support
Who This Program Is For
Gender-based violence can affect people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds. It includes harm that happens because of gender, gender identity, gender expression, or power related to gender. This self-referred GBV program is open to people who have experienced gender-based harm, including (but not limited to):
We recognize that gender-based violence often intersects with racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, poverty, and isolation. These realities can shape both the harm itself and how safe or accessible traditional systems feel.
- want support without pressure to involve police or courts
- are waiting on a legal process and need space to breathe
- want to be heard and understood without being assessed or fixed
- are unsure what they want next, but know they want support
This program does not replace or influence the legal process.
This program may be a fit for people who:
What This Program Offers
Our work is restorative, not crisis-based. We offer space for understanding, meaning-making, and accountability when it is safe and appropriate.
Survivors can access restorative conversations focused on:
- being heard and believed
- understanding the impact of harm
- reclaiming voice, dignity, and agency
- clarifying boundaries and what feels helpful or harmful
There is no requirement to report, forgive, reconcile, or engage with the person who caused harm.
Survivor-only, non-contact support (self-referred)
When appropriate, we also offer separate, non-contact support for people who have caused harm, focused on:
- understanding impact
- taking responsibility
- learning what meaningful accountability requires
This work happens independently from survivor support and does not involve contact with the survivor or influence legal outcomes.
Offender-only, non-contact support
After legal processes have concluded, and only if a survivor chooses, restorative options may be explored, including non-contact accountability processes or facilitated dialogue. These pathways are carefully screened and always survivor-led.
Post-legal restorative pathways
What This Program Is — and Is Not
This program:
- is self-referred and voluntary
- centres survivor choice and consent
- can be paused or declined at any time
- moves at the pace of readiness, not pressure
This program is not:
- a replacement for the court system
- crisis response or safety planning
- therapy or counselling
- a guaranteed path to resolution or reconciliation
Our Approach
Restorative justice does not begin in crisis. It begins when there is enough steadiness for choice, reflection, and consent. We work slowly and intentionally to ensure that restorative support does not create pressure, interfere with legal processes, or ask survivors to carry more than they should. When restorative justice is not appropriate, we focus on support, not outcomes. Our goal is not to rush repair, but to ensure that when repair is possible, it is ethical, survivor-led, and meaningful.
