What does harm reduction really mean — and why does it matter beyond substance use? Often misunderstood or reduced to needle exchanges and naloxone, harm reduction is a philosophy rooted in dignity, safety, and autonomy.

We explore how harm reduction shows up in the context of gender-based violence, sexual health, safety planning, and systems that too often punish rather than protect. From crisis work to community care, harm reduction offers a roadmap for meeting people where they’re at — without judgment.

This episode challenges narrow assumptions and expands the conversation around what it means to reduce harm, especially in a world that doesn’t always offer real choices.

What does harm reduction really mean — and why does it matter beyond substance use? Often misunderstood or reduced to needle exchanges and naloxone, harm reduction is a philosophy rooted in dignity, safety, and autonomy.

We explore how harm reduction shows up in the context of gender-based violence, sexual health, safety planning, and systems that too often punish rather than protect. From crisis work to community care, harm reduction offers a roadmap for meeting people where they’re at — without judgment.

This episode challenges narrow assumptions and expands the conversation around what it means to reduce harm, especially in a world that doesn’t always offer real choices.

What is an inquest, and why does it matter in the fight against gender-based violence?

We take a close look at the CKW (Renfrew County) Inquest, which examined the 2015 murders of three women—Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam—by a man known to them. The inquest’s 86 recommendations shone a spotlight on Ontario’s urgent need for action to prevent intimate partner violence and femicide.

We are honoured to be joined by Pamela Cross—lawyer, author, and long-time advocate for women’s equality and safety. Pamela brings invaluable insight, drawing on her decades of work in law reform and violence against women advocacy.

In this episode of RAGE, we explore the history, significance, and ongoing impact of Take Back the Night—a global movement that began in the 1960s to challenge sexual violence and reclaim public spaces for women and marginalized communities. We’ll break down why this movement is still vital today, especially in light of rising intimate partner violence, high-profile cases like the Hockey Canada trial, and proposed cuts to WAGE funding that threaten the survival of women’s organizations across Canada.

Welcome to the very first episode of RAGE: Rural Advocacy for Gender Equality, the podcast by Lanark County Interval House where we amplify bold conversations about gender-based violence and rural advocacy.

This month, for Sexual Assault Prevention Month, we’re talking about the complexities of power, prevention, and consent. From everyday dynamics to high-profile cases, we ask: What does consent really look like? How does power distort it? And what can we do to shift the culture?

We’re also breaking down two major headlines: The Diddy trial and its implications on celebrity, control, and survivor silence and The Hockey Canada case, accountability in sports culture, and what it means for youth

June is a time to celebrate love, identity, and community — but it’s also a time to confront the hard truths that often go unspoken. In this Pride Month episode, we dive into how gender-based violence shows up in LGBTQ+ relationships. We explore the unique barriers faced by queer and trans survivors, how systemic erasure makes it harder to get support, and why inclusive services are a necessity — not a luxury.

With a focus on Canadian resources and realities, this conversation sheds light on the intersections of identity, love, and harm — and why centring LGBTQ+ voices is crucial in GBV work.

In this special Perspectives episode of RAGE, we honour Indigenous Peoples Day by focusing on the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). We explore the systemic violence, colonial legacies, and gaps in justice that continue to put Indigenous lives at risk. Through powerful stories and critical reflection, we discuss the urgent need for accountability, safety, and lasting change. This episode is a call to action—to listen, to learn, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities demanding justice.