A generation after Montreal Massacre violence against women persists on Canadian campuses

OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - On the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, students remember and continue to challenge sexism and misogyny on campuses across Canada.

"On December 6, we mark the day that fourteen women were murdered on their campus simply because they were women," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "A full generation later, violence and discrimination against women continues in our communities, including on college and university campuses."

Violence against women is the most widespread and persistent human rights violation in the world. In Canada more than 50% of women will experience violence at some point in their lives, most before the age of 25. In a given year, more than one of every ten Canadian women suffer physical abuse at the hands of their partners and 25% of women undergraduate students experience some form of sexual assault.

"From higher rates of sexual assault, to lower enrolment in traditionally male-dominated programs, to orientation chants promoting rape, the issue of systemic discrimination faced by women college and university is just as relevant today as it was twenty-four years ago," added McCormick.

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique murders.

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students

Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson, [phone]