Innova Therapy Inc.

💜📣 Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the beginning of the of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to honour the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic, who were violently assassinated in 1960 for their political activism. Their legacy continues to inspire the global movement to end gender-based violence.

This year, we recognize the growing urgency of this work. Around the world, we are witnessing a troubling rollback of women’s rights and freedoms – from attacks on reproductive justice to the dismantling of safeguards for survivors of violence.

At YWCA Toronto, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting women, girls, and gender diverse people fleeing violence, and advocating for systemic change.

Over the next , we invite you to follow along on our social media platforms as we share a variety of content and resources to support your learning, and tools to take action.

Let us come together against violence, and for a world where everyone can live safely and freely.

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

From November 25 to December 10, communities, organizations, governments, and partners across Canada join in confronting harmful norms, strengthen prevention, and create environments where everyone is safe and valued.

The urgency is clear.
🟣 Between 2018 and 2024, police-reported intimate partner violence (IPV) increased by 14%. In 2024, women and girls accounted for 78% of all IPV victims.
🟣 That same year, 42% of women who were killed died at the hands of a spouse or intimate partner, up from 32% in 2023.
🟣 Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate harm: 61% have experienced IPV in their lifetime, compared with 44% of non-Indigenous women.

These numbers are more than statistics—they reflect families, communities, and systems that need our collective support and action.

Preventing gender-based violence is foundational to a safer, healthier, and more equitable Canada.

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), supported by federal cabinet ministers and secretaries of state, issued the following statement:
https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/news/2025/11/the-government-of-canada-issues-statement-to-mark-the-beginning-of-the-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence.html

Raising kids in today’s world can feel overwhelming, and if you’ve been wondering whether you’re doing enough, you’re definitely not alone.

Between constant digital noise, bigger-than-ever emotions, school pressures, social challenges, and the pace of everyday life, many children are struggling to stay emotionally steady.

And we as parents are often left feeling confused, worried, or even guilty for not knowing how to help.

If you’ve ever thought: “Why is my child having such a hard time?” or “I don’t know what to do in these moments,” you’re in the same place as so many other caring parents who just want their kids to feel safe, confident, and supported.

In our latest blog, we explore what emotional resilience actually looks like, easy ways to nurture it in your child’s day-to-day life, and gentle signs that counselling might help your family feel more grounded.

This isn’t about doing things perfectly.

It’s about understanding your child’s needs, supporting them through the tough moments, and knowing that you don’t have to navigate this alone.

https://innovatherapy.com/raising-emotionally-resilient-kids/

Have you ever noticed that as the days get shorter and the air grows colder, something in our rhythm changes too?

Maybe it’s a little harder to get moving in the morning, or we find ourselves with less energy, not just for daily tasks, but for each other.

We often hear about the “winter blues,” but what doesn’t get talked about as much is how the season can shape our relationships.

One couple we worked with noticed that when winter hits, evenings turned into silent screen time instead of conversation - not because they were upset, but because they were both simply more tired than usual.

Another couple realized that one was handling all the indoor chores while the other focused on work, leaving both feeling unseen. These small, everyday patterns are easy to fall into - and just as easy to overlook.

Over the years, we’ve seen how emotional resilience is about more than managing mood - it’s about learning to adapt together when life and seasons change.

Whether that means finding new ways to communicate, redistributing responsibilities, or rebuilding closeness during quieter months, growth often starts with noticing what’s shifting.

Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most beautiful milestones – a moment filled with awe, love, and profound gratitude.

Along with that joy also comes one of the most significant transitions a couple can experience.

Life as two suddenly becomes life as three (or more!) - and even the strongest partnerships can feel shaken by the sheer intensity of it all.

Late-night feedings. Sleep deprivation. Constant attention. Feelings of helplessness when baby won't stop crying.

Yet, we as partners can learn to adapt consciously – by understanding each other’s needs and sharing the load.

It’s not just about surviving the early chaos. It’s about learning to love each other differently – with more patience, empathy, and teamwork.