Released on December 6, 2010
December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the anniversary of the deaths of 14 female engineering students killed at Montreal's l'École Polytechnique.
Established by Parliament in 1991, the commemoration of December 6 is an opportunity for Canadians to remember all women and girls who have died as a result of violence, to think about those who currently face violence in their lives, and to consider actions toward eliminating violence against women.
"Each and every person in our society has the right to live in safety," Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women June Draude said. "Our government values the programs and services delivered by community-based organizations that offer support to those individuals and families experiencing interpersonal violence. Violence in our society is unacceptable, and I urge everyone to work together in calling for its end."
Violence is an all too familiar reality for many Canadian women. According to Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile 2009, 40,200 incidents of spousal violence (i.e., violence against legally married, common-law, separated and divorced partners) were reported to police in 2007. This represents about 12 per cent of all police-reported violent crime in Canada. The majority of victims of spousal violence continue to be females, accounting for 83 per cent of victims.
Between November 25 and December 6, Draude and many other MLAs will be wearing Rose Buttons and White Ribbons.
The Rose Button Campaign is sponsored by the YWCA of Canada and is designed not only to help us remember all women who have been affected by violence, but also to draw attention to the fact that violence against women is a societal issue that affects everyone.
The White Ribbon Campaign was developed by men as a way for them to show their opposition to violence against women. Men who wear the White Ribbon are making a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The provincial government provides funding for several programs to address violence against women, such as shelters for women and children, sexual assault counselling and treatment for abusers.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246