It's a day to remember, not just violence against women, but violence against ALL people. It's a day to create awareness that ALL violence is unacceptable.
December 6 marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the anniversary of the deaths of 14 female engineering students killed at Montreal's l'école Polytechnique in 1989.
As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to remember all who have died as a result of violence, to think about those who currently face violence in their lives, and to consider actions toward eliminating violence.
"On this day, and every day of the year, women have a right to live and work in safety and to speak out against violence in all its forms," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women June Draude says. "We all have a role, including men and boys, in promoting gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. Let us all make a commitment for change and work together to make our province the safest place to live, work and raise a family."
"Violence against women affects us all and this day is an important reminder that we must always strive to do more to stop this violence... By providing programs and services throughout the justice system, we are working hard to reduce violent crime and to ensure the safety of Saskatchewan communities."
According to Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile 2010, females were three times more likely to experience the most serious forms of spousal violence, such as being sexually assaulted, beaten, choked or threatened with a gun or knife. In Saskatchewan, between April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011, 770 women and 914 children entered emergency shelters.
This is not acceptable, nor is violence in any shape or form. December 6 has come and gone but together we can keep the initiative alive throughout the year and not just for one day. If you witness violence - report it.
