Gender-based Violence
Any form of behaviour - including psychological, physical and sexual behaviour – that is based on sex and/or gender identity
and is intended to control, humiliate, subordinate or harm an individual or group.
This form of violence is generally directed at women and girls (as well as those considered to be "feminine"). It is based on
attitudes and prejudice which can be conscious or unconscious and which exist on an individual and institutional level.
Report by Ontario's Safe Schools Action Team,
Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools:Promoting Safe and Health Relationships, 2008
Homophobia
A disparaging or hostile attitude or a negative bias, which may be overt or unspoken and which may exist at an individual and/or a systemic level, towards people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, intersexed, and queer, questioning (LGBTTTIQ).
Adapted Report by Ontario's Safe Schools Action Team,
Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Health Relationships, 2008
Heterosexism
The presumption that everyone is, should be, or should wish to be heterosexual, and the belief that heterosexuality is inherently
normal and/or superior to all other sexual orientations. These presumptions lead to prejudice, bias or discrimination at the
individual and systemic levels.
Adapted from the University of Waterloo Language Guide
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual attention directed at an individual by someone whose conduct or comments are, or should reasonably be known to be, offensive, inappropriate, intimidating, hostile, and unwelcome. Sexual harassment often occurs in an environment in which sexist or homophobic jokes and materials have been allowed.
Report by Ontario's Safe Schools Action Team,
Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Health Relationships, 2008
Adapted from the University of Waterloo Language Guide
Innapropriate Sexual Behaviour
Sexual behaviour that places the person or another individual 'at risk' physically, psychologically or socially and/or that is inappropriate relative to the person's age or stage of development.
Report by Ontario's Safe Schools Action Team,
Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Health Relationships, 2008
Racism
A set of erroneous assumptions, opinions, and actions stemming from a premise assuming the existence of "races" in the human species and a racial hierarchy. Racism may be evident in organizational and institutional structures and programs as well as in the attitudes and behaviours of individuals.
United Nations Association in Canada, Youth Forums Against Racism
