Breaking the silence.
Building safer communities.
A welcoming space to learn, start conversations and find support. Together, we can help prevent gender-based violence in newcomer, immigrant and refugee communities.
Everyone Has a Role in Creating Safety
Let’s Talk Not Hide is a community education and prevention initiative delivered by Afghan Women's Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services (AWO).
Through the Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF) Campaign, we help people recognize warning signs of abuse, respond with care, and connect someone they know with appropriate support.
Our work centres newcomer, immigrant, refugee, and racialized communities, with culturally responsive information and welcoming opportunities for conversation.
Through education and community connection, we help people recognize warning signs, respond safely, strengthen healthy relationships, and connect with appropriate support.
Our Purpose
To replace silence with knowledge, fear with support, and isolation with strong community connections.
Learn How to Help Safely
Small, informed actions can make a meaningful difference when someone may be experiencing harm.
Recognize
Notice patterns of control, isolation, intimidation, or fear. Learn what warning signs can look like in everyday life.
Respond
Listen without judgment. Respect the person’s choices, ask what would feel safe, and avoid confronting the person causing harm.
Connect
Help someone reach a crisis counsellor, shelter worker, or trusted community service. A personal safety plan can help them explore their options.
Learning, Sharing and Growing Together
Our activities create welcoming spaces where community members can gain knowledge, share experiences, build confidence, and strengthen connections.
Participant Voices
“Before attending the workshops, I was afraid to ask for help. I now understand my rights and where to find support.”Anonymous Participant
“I learned that abuse is not only physical, and I feel more confident supporting others.”Anonymous Participant
Reflections are summarized and names withheld to protect privacy. Read more participant reflections.
Working Together to Prevent Violence Against Women
AWO’s Let’s Talk Not Hide project works together with the Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF) Campaign to raise awareness, strengthen community knowledge, and help reduce violence against women.
Together, We Can Build Safer Communities
Connect with our team about workshops, outreach, partnerships, resources, or general project information.
Email Our TeamLand Acknowledgement
Let’s Talk Not Hide respectfully acknowledges that our work takes place on the ancestral and treaty lands of Indigenous Peoples. We honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples—past and present—and recognize their enduring relationships with the lands, waters and communities. We remain committed to continued learning, respectful relationships, and supporting truth and reconciliation through our community work.