Gender-based violence (GBV) is harm, harassment or abuse based on sex, gender or identity. It can take many forms, including sexual harassment, technology-facilitated harm, and violence outside of work that affects the workplace. GBV can affect worker safety and well-being, psychological health and safety, workplace culture and a person’s ability to participate fully at work.
Preventing GBV starts with knowing what to look for and how to respond.
Employers, supervisors and workers all have a role to play in creating a workplace where people feel safe coming forward and know where to turn for support.
To help workplaces build awareness and strengthen their approach to preventing GBV, Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) developed the Gender-Based Violence Toolkit, a practical, evidence-informed resource that can help:
- Strengthen workplace violence and harassment programs
- Support early identification and reporting
- Respond to concerns consistently and appropriately
- Understand and meet OHSA responsibilities
Designed for all sectors and organizations of any size, the online GBV Toolkit provides learning modules, videos, templates, guides and downloadable tools for workers, supervisors and employers, including a Supervisor Playbook and guidance on domestic or sexual violence leave.
Explore the Toolkit.
Published November 9, 2026.
