CALGARY, December 5, 2017 – Tomorrow YW Calgary will speaks out and sheds light on gender-based violence in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
“The continued violence and abuse against women in our community is astounding and we continue to see an increased demand for services that support women experiencing domestic abuse,” says Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, YW Calgary. “The women we support talk about an increase in the intensity of the reports of abuse. Women are saying that situations feel more complex and more volatile.”
The day of remembrance was established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.
Each year Calgary Police Service (CPS) responds to more than 18,000 domestic conflict calls and Alberta continues to have one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Canada. Violence against women is a rampant problem that impacts women at every income level, in all cultures and in every community.
Violence against women is unfortunately not something new. Women have been dealing with abuse and violence for far too long and, in Calgary, incidents of violence against women unfortunately continues to rise. This year, CPS has responded to more than 49 domestic conflict calls per day, which is more than two times the number of break and enters and three times more than the number of stolen vehicles reported last year.
On December 6, the Calgary Tower, Reconciliation (Langevin) Bridge, Telus Spark and McMahon Stadium will shine red alongside many other structures and monuments across the country to serve as visual reminders in honour women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and a reminder of the work to be done.
It is up to all of us to create communities where gender-based violence and violence against women is not tolerated. We are all part of the solution.
In 2016, YW supported more than 1,550 women who experienced violence or abuse. Many women who are struggling with poverty and homelessness have experienced violence as well. Through refuge, counselling, outreach and family access services, YW strives to enable women to live free of violence in the community.
YW subject matters experts are available for interview opportunities related to the issue of violence against women and the National Day of Remembrance.
Credit: Calgary Police Service
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About YW Calgary:
YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. For more than 106 years, we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. In 2016, the YW Calgary supported more than 6,800 Calgary women and families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide shelter, supportive housing, counselling, child development, childcare, education and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.
Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.
ywcalgary.ca
For information please contact:
Carla Link
Manager, Marketing & Communications
YW Calgary
Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
