International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Courtesy of the Governments of Canada and BC:

From the Rt Hon Justin Trudeau - Prime Minister of Canada:

Violence against women is a violation of human rights – and an issue that affects all of us. We are all harmed when people in our communities and society experience violence – and all of us share a responsibility to make sure women and girls have the respect, protection, and freedom that is their right.

“Men must hold themselves and each other accountable and be part of the solution. From speaking up about the rights of women and girls, to promoting women’s leadership in every aspect of our society, to standing against violence whenever it occurs, men have a vital role to play in eliminating gender-based violence.

“Ending gender-based violence means transforming a culture that devalues women and dismisses their voices. Together, we must challenge the prejudices and inequalities that allow this violence to persist. We know gender-based violence differently and disproportionately affects those most vulnerable – including trans women, Indigenous women, women of colour, low-income women, refugees and displaced women, and others. To change this reality, we must actively seek out and listen to the voices and needs of women, especially those cast furthest to the margins.

“That is why the Government of Canada has adopted It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence based on prevention, support for survivors and their families, and the promotion of responsive legal and justice systems. It is also why the Government remains determined to seek justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and to prevent these tragedies from continuing to occur.

“Together with people across Canada and around the world, the Government is working tirelessly to eliminate violence against women and girls – but so much remains to be done.

“Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I encourage all Canadians to join the #MYActionsMatter campaign and find your way to combat violence against women.We are interdependent and interconnected, and we are stronger when everyone’s rights are protected. Working together – as communities, businesses, governments, and individuals – I know we can build a world free from violence for women and girls everywhere.”


From the Hon. John Horgan - Premier of British Columbia:

“Violence against women hurts us all. Domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of violence have long-lasting effects on women, families and our communities.

“Recent events have brought gender-based violence to the forefront of public debate. From the #metoo movement to public allegations of sexual misconduct by men in positions of power, women are speaking out about the profound impact that sexual assault, harassment and violence has had in their lives, and in the lives of loved ones.

“For every woman who has courageously stepped forward, there are thousands more who suffer in silence. Domestic violence and sexual assault affects tens of thousands of women and children in B.C. each year. And we remember those we have lost through violence, including hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

“To every survivor: We support you, we believe you, we stand with you. Our government will enhance supports for women and children escaping violence, and invest in education and prevention programs to stop gender-based violence.”

Today, from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., the B.C. Parliament Buildings’ ceremonial entrance and fountain will be illuminated orange in honour of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which begins on Saturday, Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 10.