Smash the Patriarchy - An ORCC Movement and Wellness Event

About the Event

Smash the Patriarchy is an energetic, inclusive, and affirming half-day gathering rooted in healing justice and community care.

This free event invites participants into movement-based experiences designed to support reconnection, release, and embodied joy. Together, we’ll move through trauma-informed dance, collective breathing, and a yoga-based session—each grounded in choice, accessibility, and respect for where you’re at.

Alongside these sessions, a small community resource fair will feature local grassroots organizations working to address sexual and gender-based violence (SV/GBV). Participants will have the opportunity to connect with ongoing supports, resources, and community initiatives.

This is a space to move, to breathe, to connect—and to be in community.

Why This Event Matters

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, especially those from marginalized communities, often experience disconnection from their bodies and from community as a result of trauma and systemic barriers.

Smash the Patriarchy responds to what survivors have been asking for:
spaces that are collective, embodied, celebratory, and grounded in care.

This event is about connection, possibility, and creating a ripple effect of community care and violence prevention.

What to Expect

• Two movement sessions (low–medium impact, trauma-informed movement followed by yoga-based grounding and body connection)
• Collective breathing and gentle integration moments
• Community resource tables from local anti-GBV organizations
• A supportive, consent-based environment centered on choice and accessibility

No prior experience is needed. All bodies and abilities are welcome.

Optional: Community Care Contributions

While this is a free event, participants are warmly invited (but never required) to bring non-perishable, practical assistance items to support community members accessing services.

Examples include:

• Gift cards (grocery, Ph*rm*cy, transit)
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes
• Body wash, deodorant
• Menstrual products
• Other essential care items

These contributions will be shared through local support networks.

Registration & Waiver

Registration is required due to limited capacity (40 participants).
A short waiver form is included as part of the registration process.

Accessibility

We are committed to creating an accessible and welcoming space.
More detailed accessibility information will be shared with registered participants.

If you have specific access needs or questions, please send an email to [email protected]. We will do our best to support you.

Acknowledgement

This event has been made possible through funding from the Women United Community Action Grant via the United Way of Eastern Ontario.

Final Note

You are welcome to show up exactly as you are!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC)