Twenty-three years ago today, 14 women were shot and killed at École Polytechnique in Montreal simply because they were women. Two years later, in 1991, the Canadian government designated Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
On this day, we remember the women who lost their lives in “The Montreal Massacre,” and all of the women who experience violence. We also think about what we can do to stop violence against women as it continues to be a widespread and pervasive problem in Canada and around the world. Physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse is occurring at home, in streets, in workplaces, online and on campuses. Even on Dec. 6.
For those of you who aren’t aware, here are some statistics.
In Canada, half of women have survived at least one incident of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Eighty-three per cent of victims of spousal violence are women. In 91 per cent of domestic homicide cases women are the victims. Women are about eight times more likely than men to experience violence in relationships, especially choking, threats with a weapon and sexual assault. One in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime and of those who do less than six per cent will report the incident to the police.
This means that if you’re sitting at coffee shop and look over at a table of three women chatting over lattes, one of them has likely experienced some form of sexual violence.
Students and young women are particularly at risk for sexual and physical violence. It is estimated that 15 per cent of Canadian female university students experience sexual assault. Even worse, more than 80 per cent of the time it is perpetrated by someone they know. In regards to dating violence, four out of five female undergraduates on Canadian campuses are victims of violence in dating relationships.
Together we can change these statistics. Violence against women is the only crime that is considered a private affair. It is not! Violence against women concerns all of us and there is something that each and every one of us can do to stop it.
If you’re not sure how, here are some specific and simple steps from OCTEVAW and the White Ribbon Campaign that, when put into practice, can prevent violence against women.
Believe that violence against women is a real issue, a real problem, which as you can see from the statistics it is. Believe survivors of violence and support them.
Spread the word. Tell others about violence against women and that it is everyone’s problem. Speak up against victim shaming, victim blaming and myths about violence against women. Challenge others to do the same.
Lead by example. Question your own attitudes and behaviours and how they may disrespect or harm women. Choose not to use sexist language, to partake in street harassment, or to state degrading things about women, they all contribute to a culture of violence.
Speak up. Don’t remain silent talk about violence against women. Point out to others when they are saying or doing something that contributes to a culture of sexism and violence.
You can take a pledge to follow these steps.
Go to the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) Facebook page or find us on Twitter and take part in our #pledgeit campaign to inform people about sexual violence, speak out against sexual violence, and assist those who have experienced sexual violence.
Violence against women is a public concern. Let’s make it one, not just on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, but every day. Let’s all do our part to end violence against women!
– Tanya Castle,
Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women
