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Shifting Social Norms
to end Gender-Based Violence

Conversation Starter Cards

Description 

Shifting Social Norms is a collection of engaging conversation starter cards designed to initiate dialogues about community accountability, redefining masculinity, and challenging harmful norms. The goal is to share, listen, learn, and raise awareness about gender-based violence. 

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Warning:  

Talking about GBV is important for awareness, but your well-being comes first. It's okay to step back, set boundaries, or pause the discussion if needed. Some questions might trigger emotions; please check in with yourself during the conversation. 

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Conversation Guidelines 

  • Listen with curiosity, respect, and support.  

  • Allow everyone a chance to speak.  

  • Players may choose to “pass” on any question.  

  • Share only what you are comfortable sharing.  

  • Different opinions and experiences are welcome. 

Abstract Geometric Shapes

What’s Included? 

4 information/instructions cards 

5 pause and breath cards 

26 conversation starter cards ​

  • 6 Myth or Fact cards [Statement → answer → discussion question] 

  • 6 Fact & Reflection cards [Interesting fact → discussion question] 

  • 4 Reflect & Share cards [Prompt question] 

  • 4 Scenario cards [Hypothetical situation → response question] 

  • 6 Open-ended Question cards [Thought-provoking question] 

How to Play

This discussion should take place with a responsible adult present. 

  • Divide all participants into two teams. 

  • Thoroughly shuffle the deck of cards and split into two equal piles for each team. 

 

Gameplay Instructions: 

  • Team 1 selects a card from their pile and chooses a player from Team 2 to respond. 

  • After the player answers, other participants from either team can share their thoughts. 

  • Once the discussion comes to a natural conclusion, Team 2 selects a card from their pile and chooses a player from Team 1 to answer. 

 

Continue alternating turns between the teams until all cards have been used or the group decides to end the conversation. 

Help Lines

  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24/7): 1-866-863-0511 

  • Toronto Rape Crisis Line (24/7): 416-597-8808 

  • Victim Support Line (24/7): 1-888-579-2888 

  • Nisa Helpline: 1-888-315-6472 (Muslim women) 

  • Talk4Healing (24/7): 1-855-554-4325 (Indigenous women) 

  • Fem’aide Helpline (24/7): 1-877-336-2433 (French) 

  • Oasis Centre des femmes: 1-866-860-7082 (French) 

  • Kids Help Phone (24/7): 1-800-668-6868 

  • LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688

  • Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650 

  • Male Sexual Assault Survivors Line (24/7): 1-866-877-0015  

  • Senior Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011 

  • Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario: 1-833-916-6728 

  • Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture: 1-877-292-2288 

  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-900-1010 

Contact:

Women's Health in Women's Hands (WHIWH)

2 Carlton Street, Suite 500, Toronto ON M5B 1J3

(T)  416 593 7655

(W)  www.whiwh.com (CHC)

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