Were you moved by this video? Do you believe survivors and want to support them? Please donate to your local non-profit helping survivors of gender based violence.

Hamilton, ON: Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area (SACHA)
Toronto, ON: Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MWAR)

Learn more about "She Stays Silent" below.

Written during a residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, “She Stays Silent”  was “sadly, one of the most intuitive songs I’ve ever written,” remarks Nicola. The song was born out of frustration towards how survivors of gender based violence are treated. Nicola explains, “despite the progress of the #MeToo movement, survivors have to navigate a world of hypocrisy. We continue to live in a society that encourages women to come forward when they’ve been a victim of violence, and yet when they do so, are still met with deep scrutiny and often threats to their personal safety.” Nicola acknowledges that during the pandemic, and especially throughout lockdowns, instances of domestic violence have risen worldwide. 

The music video features a huge cast of musicians and music industry professionals from Hamilton and Toronto. When seeking women to cast in the video, Nicola called on numerous friends and women she admires, and was honoured at how many people donated their time to the project. The video was directed by frequent Toronto-based collaborator Cassandra Rudolph. Nicola and Rudolph began filming the project before the pandemic struck and as such, have compiled both in-studio and self-tapes in order to complete the project.  

“All I really want this song and video to do is encourage people to listen to and believe survivors.” - Gillian Nicola 

With the release of “She Stays Silent” on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nicola encourages viewers to make a donation to SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area), Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MWAR), or their local non-profit fighting gender based violence.