Envision Counselling and Support Centre will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Tuesday, Dec. 6, by acknowledging those women who lost their lives in a grievous act of gender-based violence.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is Dec. 6, which marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 women in 1989 at École Polytechnique de Montréal.
This day is also a chance to focus on women and girls who are experiencing violence in their everyday lives and come together to end violence in our communities; both in Canada and around the world.
“While the Montreal massacre happened 27 years ago, the need to remind people of violence against women continues,” explained Christa Daku, executive director of Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
“Things have changed since we began counselling women in the Southeast — such as a flat-line of national rates of self-reported spousal violence — but we’re seeing some disturbing trends.”
She said that statistics show more women are experiencing violence after they leave their abuser. But organizations such as Envision are working closer with police and other agencies to deal with the aftermath of domestic violence.
Daku also emphasized that partner abuse has a profound impact on children. Each year in Saskatchewan approximately 24,000 children will be exposed to violence in their own homes. It was reported that children are present during 80 per cent of assault incidents.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre provides innovative programming and diverse counselling and support services to individuals, couples, and families. Counselling services are available for those experiencing instances such as intimate partner abuse or sexual exploitation.
Individuals looking for more information can find it on Envision’s updated website at www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.
