Today, we remember the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique in 1989 and reaffirm our commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

Violence against women is evolving, and one of the fastest emerging threats is radicalization fueled by misogyny. Extremist ideologies, particularly those rooted in the manosphere (incel communities, male supremacist movements), normalize coercive control and legitimize violence as a way to restore perceived male dominance. These spaces are not fringe, they are growing, and they are targeting our youth and vulnerable populations.

Why does this matter?

• CSIS now classifies violent misogyny as a form of ideological extremism in Canada.
• Canada’s first terrorism charge for an incel-motivated attack happened in 2020.
• Online radicalization among youth is rising, often through misogynistic forums.

At Sagesse, we know that coercive control is the common thread, whether in intimate partner violence or extremist recruitment. Both rely on isolation, fear, and dependency. Both thrive in silence.

What can we do?

• Equip families and communities to recognize early signs of radicalization.
• Challenge gendered narratives that normalize violence.
• Build protective factors through empathy, dialogue and connection.

Violent misogyny is not just hate—it’s extremism. And preventing it starts with all of us.

Join us in taking action. Learn more about our work and sign up for REAL Talk to learn more about coercive control.