The
Smallest
Steps

What will your small step for change be?

PLOT SUMMARY

About 'the smallest steps'

A feature documentary created on unceded Algonquin territory.

We know the statistics. We’ve heard the stories. And now we’re asking, what can WE do to end violence against women? 

the smallest steps provides some answers through the interconnected stories of four women, each beginning their own journey to end violence against women in Canada.

With Victoria’s decision to pursue family law, Jade’s steps entering the legal world after articling, and Sheri and Ashley’s participation in a national gender equality initiative, this documentary provides a glimpse into how ordinary women are working towards extraordinary change.

Stay connected to learn more!

THE SMALLEST STEPS

The Cast

A woman with long brown hair wearing a pin-striped suit jacket sits at a desk covered in papers. She is highlighting a legal document.

Jade

A driven young member of the Métis Nation of Ontario (ancestral roots in Red River, Manitoba) with a love of soccer and a deep commitment to her community, Jade has always been passionate about working in grassroots organizations.

As she comes to the end of her articling period, she prepares to find a job as a lawyer representing survivors. But when she discovers she has failed her bar exam, she must make a difficult choice amidst mounting student loans: Continue towards becoming a lawyer, or seek a new path for ending violence against women?

Sheri & Ashley

On the other side of the legal world, Sheri and Ashley--outdoor enthusiasts, mothers, and hard-working employees--are both survivors of violence.

After finally settling into their newfound freedom, they are ready to dedicate their energy to supporting other survivors. But as they participate in a national gender equality initiative, they quickly learn how triggering it can be to be a survivor doing anti-violence work.

Victoria

Victoria, a vivacious young woman with a passion for musicals and a desire to fight climate change, entered law school unsure of what legal career she might choose. But after a fellowship with Leighann Burns, an Ottawa Family Law lawyer working specifically with women who have experienced family violence, Victoria feels she might have found her calling. Before she can enter her desired career representing survivors of violence, she must first pass her bar exams and test her mettle through a year of articling.

Watch The Trailer

What will your small step for change be?

The Smallest Steps Blog

Nicole

Hey TDBS Teachers! Screen ‘the smallest steps’ for #16Days! Guess what Toronto District School Board Teachers? the smallest steps is now available through …

Nicole

Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Film screening and Panel Discussion We have exciting news! We have partnered with the Ontario Bar Association to bring …

Nicole

‘the smallest steps’ part of Heart Work Conference Haven’t had a chance to see the smallest steps yet? Well, the Heart Work Conference …

Nicole

Ripples of Impact “[Working to end violence against women] can sometimes feel like walking against the wind, just not getting anywhere, but …

We'd like to thank our supporters!

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
City of Ottawa logo

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the City of Ottawa.

Ontario Arts Council Logo

We acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

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Contact:

For more information, connect with us at vawdoc@gmail.com