On December 6, 1989, 14 women students at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were killed in an act of gender-based violence. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
It has been 26 year since this tragedy and the issue of gender-based violence remains a significant component of our society. This day brings a time to reflect on the impacts and the stimuli that perpetuate violence against women.
Violence against women is on the rise in our community, as evidenced in the recent report from the Calgary Police Service (CPS). During the last week of November, Family Violence Prevention Month, CPS shared year-to-date statistics that demonstrate an increase of 16 per cent in the total number of domestic conflict calls in the city compared to the same time period in 2014.
Gender-based violence is a community issue. It requires awareness and action by not only police services and social agencies, but by each and every individual. By raising our voices against violence, we offer women and families experiencing violence the confidence to reach out for help when needed.
How does the average person affect change? What can you help end the cycle of violence? How do we make our communities safer for women?
These are questions you may ask yourself on Sunday as you drive across the Langevin Bridge or pass McMahon Stadium; both lit red to commemorate the day of remembrance and action.
We can all do something to address this systemic issue; if you are experiencing violence in a relationship, call 911, there is help; if someone shares with you her experiences, listen, believe and support; if your friend or family member is brave enough to end a violent relationship, help her connect with shelters and support networks.
Violence against women lives in shadows and silence. By shedding light on the issue, talking about it, demonstrating through your voice and your actions you believe violence is not okay, you remove the shadows and expose it to the light.
