GRIP Montréal

Published purpose

This 32-month project will help prevent gender-based violence at festivals and support women who are survivors of it. To achieve this, GRIP (the Groupe de recherche et d’intervention psychosociale) Montreal plans to create and offer training tailored to the needs of professionals involved in festivals. It will also establish a psychosocial support zone that can be a safer space and refuge for vulnerable, distressed, and intoxicated people who have witnessed or experienced violence at these events. Staffed by trained responders who are aware of the issues involved, this space will provide appropriate support to a range of vulnerable groups. Among them are women and girls, including those who are racialized, who live in rural or remote regions, or who have disabilities; immigrant women; LGBTQ2+ people; and people who identify with more than one minority or marginalized group. During events, the organization also plans to create and distribute prevention resources on sexual violence, consent, being an active witness, and getting around safely from a perspective related to substance use at festivals.