Terms of Reference

ReferHer.ca

1. Purpose

The purpose of these Terms of Reference is to define the scope, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for ReferHer.ca, a website and knowledge resource designed to support employers in responding to and supporting employees who may be experiencing domestic violence (DV).

This initiative is grounded in principles of safety, dignity, equity, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practice.

2. Background

Domestic violence can have significant impacts on individuals’ safety, health, employment stability, and economic security. Employers play an important role in creating supportive, informed, and safe workplaces.

This website has been developed to:

Increase employer awareness and understanding of DV
Provide practical tools, guidance, and resources
Encourage compassionate, informed, and non-punitive workplace responses
Promote safe referral pathways to specialized supports

3. Scope of the Initiative

The website and associated resources may include:

Educational content on DV and its workplace impacts
Guidance for employers, managers, and HR professionals
Links to external supports and community services
Tools to support organizational learning and capacity-building

The initiative does not collect personal disclosures of violence, provide individual advice, or act as a reporting or support service. The website does not provide crisis intervention, counselling, or legal advice.

4. Guiding Principles

This initiative is guided by the following principles:

Trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches
Confidentiality and privacy
Equity, inclusion, and cultural safety
Do no harm
Respect for lived experience
Clarity about roles and limitations

Privacy and data protection practices for the website are governed by the initiative’s Privacy Policy, which outlines how limited personal information is collected, used, safeguarded, and retained.

5. Governance and Roles

5.1 Project Sponsor / Lead Organization

The Project Sponsor is responsible for:

Strategic oversight and accountability
Ensuring alignment with organizational values and mandate
Approving major content and policy decisions

5.2 Advisory Committee (if applicable)

An Advisory Committee may be established to:

Provide subject-matter expertise
Review content for accuracy, relevance, and sensitivity
Offer guidance based on lived and professional experience

Advisory members serve in a non-decision-making capacity unless otherwise specified.

5.3 Content Contributors

Content contributors may include subject-matter experts, service providers, or individuals with lived experience. Contributors:

Provide expertise within agreed parameters
Do not provide individual advice or support through the website

6. Decision-Making

Strategic decisions rest with the Project Sponsor
Content decisions may be informed by Advisory Committee feedback
Consensus will be sought where possible; final authority rests with the Project Sponsor

7. Risk Management and Safeguards

The initiative will:

Avoid content that could compromise safety
Use clear disclaimers regarding scope and limitations
Prioritize survivor safety in language, examples, and tools
Regularly review content to ensure continued relevance and appropriateness

8. Review and Updates

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed:

At major project milestones, or
At least annually once the website is live

9. Effective Date

These Terms of Reference take effect on: 26 January 2026

This project has been funded through Women and Gender Equality Canada Women’s Program.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Reference