Harper Government marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

Minister Leitch urges Canadians to take action to end violence against women and girls

OTTAWA, Nov. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, invites Canadians to show their support for victims of gender-based violence by participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, 2014.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence begins today with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This 16-day event ends on International Human Rights Day on December 10^th, and includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6^th.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established by Canada's Parliament in 1991 to ensure Canadians would never forget the tragic deaths of 14 young women who were murdered at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989. This year marks the 25^th anniversary of this tragedy.

December 6^th is a time for Canadians to remember all the women and girls who have experienced violence and to reflect on why this phenomenon continues to exist in our society. It is also a call to action that urges all Canadians to do something and to speak out to denounce such abhorrent acts. Individuals are invited to observe a moment of silence, to wear a white ribbon, or to attend a candle light vigil in their community. They may also wish to raise awareness by joining the conversation about violence against women and girls on social media. Infobites that highlight facts about violence against women and girls are available on the Status of Women Canada website and can be shared on a variety of social media platforms.

Quick Facts

• One in three women in Canada will experience sexual assault at some point in their lives. Sexual assault is one of the top five most common violent offences committed against women in Canada.
• In 2011, police reported rates of violent crime in Canada were 5% higher for women than for men. Women were 11 times more likely than men to be victims of sexual offences and three times more likely to be victims of criminal harassment.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided more than $146 million through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects. Of this amount, more than $70 million has gone to projects to prevent and end violence against women girls. This includes projects that address violence against Aboriginal women, human trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and cyberviolence.         

Quotes

"Violence against women and girls is not acceptable in our society and will not be tolerated. The Government of Canada is committed to ending such violence and to supporting victims. We fund community-based programs across the country and have introduced a number of broad initiatives aimed at making Canada safer for women and girls. I invite all Canadians to join us in marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and to continue speaking out on this important issue. By working together, we can end violence against women and girls once and for all."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Related Products

• Infobites on violence against women and girls. 
• Educator's Kit for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Additional Links

• More information on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
• More information on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
• Information About Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Tel: [phone], [email protected]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]