By: Sam Ross
Edited by: Susie Rooney
For many in Gen Z, one of the most noticeable shifts between our generation and the one before lies in how we experience and define relationships. We tend to take a more casual stance on romance, being more relaxed about dating and labeling relationships. However, one unfortunate continuity between generations is the persistence of toxic relationships and domestic violence. In fact, Gen Z experiences intimate partner violence at higher rates than previous generations, with digital communication playing a significant role in facilitating abuse. Despite its prevalence, the issue remains largely unaddressed, leaving many uninformed and unprepared to recognize or address it.
The silence surrounding the issue is particularly problematic given that domestic violence has long been a pervasive problem in society. Understanding the extent of domestic abuse is near impossible if you haven’t personally experienced or witnessed a loved one suffer in an abusive relationship. Still, the majority of abuse often goes unnoticed.
Domestic violence is deeply entrenched in societal structures, with numerous factors working together to reinforce and perpetuate it. For one, there are cycles of abuse. Many victims of domestic violence grew up in homes where abuse was present, making it feel more normal and less alarming than it is. Additionally, many victims fear speaking out about their truth, as they are often met with responses like, “I don’t understand why she doesn’t leave him,” or “I would never allow myself to be treated this way.” These kinds of remarks are rooted in what’s commonly referred to as victim-blaming, which occurs when people explicitly or implicitly suggest that the victim is responsible for the abuse they experience. Often rooted in a desire for self-preservation, victim blaming reflects a belief that if someone can identify a reason for the victims’ suffering, they can prevent it from happening to themselves. This response is fueled by emotional reactions to violence and the assumption that the victim must have done something to provoke or allow the abuse in some way.
The reality of this issue is that domestic violence is a profoundly debilitating experience for those affected, and individuals trapped in these relationships often struggle to seek or find help. However, the future of domestic violence prevention appears much more promising. While Gen Z and the generations’ technological dependence
on it can sometimes exacerbate the problem, technology also holds potential as a powerful and helpful resource. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in online resources for domestic violence victims, such as virtual counseling, crisis chat lines, safety planning, and support groups. Having these resources available in a digital setting makes them more accessible for victims who may face barriers such as finding transportation to a resource centre or arranging childcare while seeking help, which can otherwise prevent them from seeking help, leaving them trapped in a dangerous situation.
Another reason for optimism in the future of domestic violence prevention lies in our ongoing legislative progress. In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced an investment of over $17.5 million in 13 projects aimed at preventing family and gender-based violence. This initiative aims to equip children, families, and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to create and maintain safe relationships and reduce harm, constructing a safer future for everyone. Creating access to such resources is an excellent step in the right direction for tackling this issue, given that many cases of domestic violence result from individuals being trapped in abusive cycles without a clear understanding of how to escape or what a life free of abuse could provide them. That being said, education is fundamental in providing the necessary knowledge and tools for individuals suffering in abusive relationships.
Domestic violence has taken away the emotional and physical independence of countless women and, tragically, has claimed many lives. Though it’s troubling that this issue has endured for centuries across generations, there is hope in the ongoing efforts in prevention, and support offers the promise of a brighter future.
References:
Image Source: Messer Woland, https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestand:Purple_ribbon.svg
Bien, Alexis. “Teen Dating Violence: Is Generation Z the Game Changer?” Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, 11 Mar. 2025, breakthesilencedv.org/teen-dating-violence-is-generation-z-the-game-changer-by-alexis-bien/.
“Government of Canada Funds New Initiatives to Prevent Family and Gender-Based Violence.” Health Canada, 23 Mar. 2025, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2025/03/government-of-canada-funds-new-initiatives-to-prevent-family-and-gender-based-violence.html.
“Intimate Partner Violence.” Government of Canada, 23 Mar. 2025, www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intimate-partner-violence.html.
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton. “Victim Blaming.” SACE, https://www.sace.ca/learn/victim-blaming/.
Teng, Sarah. “How Technology Can Help Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.” The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025, theconversation.com/how-technology-can-help-victims-of-intimate-partner-violence-218421.
“Understanding Victim Blaming and Why It’s Harmful to Survivors.” Welsh Women’s Aid, 22 May 2023, welshwomensaid.org.uk/news/understanding-victim-blaming-and-why-its-harmful-to-survivors/.