National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
On December 6, 1989, at l’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, 14 young women were gunned down by a man who was deliberately targeting women on the campus. This year marks the 26th anniversary of this tragic event, which is now commemorated by the Rose Campaign. The message heard around the country after this tragedy was “First Mourn, Then Work for Change.” Take this day as a message of hope for women who deal with violence.
Domestic Violence Statistics
Research indicates that more than 50 percent of women in Canada will experience some form of violence within their life. Younger women are more often targets of violence, and most women know their abuser. It’s estimated that this violence against women costs Canadians over $7 billion annually. It’s not just medical costs, but social services fees and lost productivity.
Women are not the only victims of domestic violence. Children witness these attacks, and it affects their own development. They cannot learn in school when they are scared of what will happen at home. When a child does see violence in the home, he or she is likely to develop long-term behavioral issues. This increases the costs associated with domestic violence, because the child may require therapy to address these issues and to be able to cope with the stress.
Who Is at Risk?
According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, violence against women is not limited to certain ethnic or religious groups, nor is it limited to any particular age or income group. Whether you’re atheist or Christian, this problem relates to everyone in the country. Unfortunately, there is one group in Canada that has an increased risk. Women of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis are 3.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Aboriginal women. In fact, they are eight times more likely to be killed by their partner. Immigrant women and those with a disability are also higher-risk victims. Sadly, often when women go to get help, they may be dismissed by the police, the medical team, or family members who don’t want to acknowledge that there is a problem.
December 6 Activities
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established in 1991 by Parliament. The flag is flown at half-mast on federal buildings. The day is also known as White Ribbon Day. Canadians wear white or purple ribbons to show their support to end violence against women. In some locations, a moment of silence is observed in remembrance of the victims and to demonstrate support.
The Rose Campaign is the main advocacy program that drives awareness of domestic violence in Canada. It started a Light the Night Against Violence movement across the nation as another way to draw attention. Many monuments, bridges, and buildings will be lit up in red to take a stand. Vancouver City Hall, Yellowknife City Hall, CN Tower, and Science World are just a few of the buildings that will be alight that night. In Ontario, there will be memorial services and candlelight vigils as part of the commemoration.
How You Can Take Action Against Violence
Reflect on these statistics to understand the problem. Consider your circle of female friends. Half of them have probably experienced some form of domestic violence over their lifetime. What would you do if they admitted it to you?
Participate in the activities on December 6 to show your support for ending domestic violence. The response cannot stop there. It’s important to speak up about violence when you see it in your community. Those who commit violence need to be encouraged to get help. Women who experience violence need a place to be safe. Be a beacon of light in your community and help to fight this awful crime that transcends age, ethnicity, race, and religion.
