Violence refers to acts of physical harm, coercion, intimidation, or threats that cause fear, injury, trauma, or a loss of safety. Violence can occur in many forms, including domestic and family violence, assault, bullying, workplace harassment, gender-based violence, hate-motivated violence, and systemic or structural oppression. Experiencing violence can have profound and long-lasting effects on mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use challenges, and feelings of helplessness, shame, or low self-worth. Mental health support for survivors of violence often focuses on restoring safety, rebuilding trust, strengthening resilience, and supporting personal empowerment.
Research shows that people living with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than the general population. In fact, they are at increased risk of experiencing violence, victimization, discrimination, and other forms of harm. Misleading media portrayals and public stereotypes that associate mental illness with dangerousness can contribute to stigma, social exclusion, and barriers to seeking help and accessing care. The Mental Health Commission of Canada notes that people with mental health concerns are overrepresented in the justice system, often due to gaps in mental health care, housing, social supports, and community services, rather than mental illness itself being a cause of violence.
Violence does not occur in isolation and is influenced by a range of social, cultural, and environmental factors. Harmful beliefs, discrimination, dehumanization, and exposure to hateful or extremist content can contribute to aggression and violence against individuals and communities. Gender-based violence, hate, and discrimination can negatively affect the mental health and well-being of both those directly targeted and the broader communities impacted by these behaviours. Preventing violence requires addressing stigma, promoting healthy relationships and healthy masculinities, strengthening community supports, and fostering inclusion, respect, and belonging.
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