BRAVE PRACTICE: Support Group for Men Working in Gender-Based Violence
Men play an important role in advancing gender equity and ending gender-based violence. At the same time, many men working in this field experience isolation, uncertainty, and emotional strain.
Informed by a project led by Sanare in 2024 to understand the unique complexities of men working in GBV; this groundbreaking support group responds directly to what men working in the gender-based violence sector shared about isolation, uncertainty, and the need for support.
About This Support Group
This facilitated support group offers a confidential, compassionate space for men working in gender-based violence and gender equity to connect with peers, reflect on the complexities of their roles, and speak candidly about the realities they face.
Participants are supported to strengthen the emotional and relational capacity needed to remain grounded, accountable, effective, and sustainable in their work. The group fosters a supportive community of practice that emphasizes belonging, reflection, and mutual accountability, while helping participants reconnect with purpose and motivation.
Men in the GBV sector often navigate being the only man on their team, managing mistrust or skepticism, fear of causing harm, and carrying the emotional weight of daily engagement with trauma and injustice. This group responds to these shared challenges by creating space for honest dialogue, learning, mutual support, and growth alongside peers who understand the field.
What Participants Will Explore
Through guided sessions led by experienced, trauma-informed facilitators, participants will explore topics such as:
- Trauma exposure and emotional resilience
- Creating safer and more inclusive spaces
- Deepening self-awareness and reflective practice
- Power and privilege
- Allyship and feminist practice
- Ethical and accountable leadership
By supporting men to process their personal experiences and examine their relationship to power, the group strengthens both individual participants and the broader movement. When men are supported to show up responsibly and sustainably, they are better equipped to contribute meaningfully, listen deeply, and lead with integrity in efforts to end gender-based violence.
Program Details
Who This Group Is For
This supportive community of practice welcomes men, including male-identifying individuals, who are currently working in gender-based violence and gender equity across Canada, including but not limited to:
- Social workers
- Advocates
- Educators
- Clinicians
- Managers, senior leaders, and executives
- Program and front-line staff
- Policy professionals
The group is open to both new and experienced professionals who want to grow in grounded, ethical, accountable, and resilient practice.
Cost: Free
Format: 90-minute sessions held weekly over three months (10 sessions total)
Date and Time: Tuesdays 6:30pm to 8:00pm from February 17 to April 28, 2026 (no session April 7)
Location: Online
Sessions are co-facilitated by trained, trauma-informed practitioners with expertise in social work, group facilitation, GBV work, and support groups. Each session blends structured themes with peer reflection, emotional processing, and co-created support strategies. The curriculum is intentionally developmental and responsive to participant needs.
Ready to Join?
Register Here
Learn More:
Sanare welcomes inquiries from individuals, organizations, and community partners who wish to learn more, enroll participants, or bring the support group to their team or region. Please connect with our team at menshrsupport@sanarecentre.ca with any questions or inquiries.
If you are interested in participating in the support group but the timing of this cohort doesn’t work for you, please join the waitlist for future cohorts here: https://form.jotform.com/260055943312249