In 1991 the Parliament of Canada declared December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. This day marks the 24th anniversary of the massacre of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.
"While the Montreal massacre happened 24 years ago, the need to remind people of violence against women continues," said Patt Lenover-Adams, executive director of Envision Counselling Centre Inc. "Since we began counselling women in the Southeast almost 20 years ago, certain trends have emerged. In Saskatchewan, when measuring recorded rates of police-reported violent crime, violence against women in 2011 was about double the national rate."
The Montreal Massacre has become symbolic of the fight to end violence against women. As well as commemorating the 14 young women of Montreal and countless other women whose lives have ended in acts of gender-based violence, December 6th represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
"On December 6 we not only honour the women whose lives were taken, but all women and girls who are killed each year due to gender-based violence. The day is a call to action, so that we can all contribute to changing our world, even if it is the small world we exist in," said Lenover-Adams.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre encourages individuals in Southeast Saskatchewan take a moment and reflect on violence against women.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre provides innovative programming and diverse counselling and support services to individuals, couples, and families. Counselling services are available, free of charge, for those experiencing partner abuse, stalking and harassment, dating violence, older person abuse, couples or marital relationship breakdowns, or various other family challenges. Individuals looking for more information can find it on the website: www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.
