Did you know that last year in our community 901 calls to the access line were received by women in crisis? Did you know that 113 files were opened for criminal harassment, sexual assault, partner assault and historical abuse? Or that three of five children in every classroom has been exposed to domestic violence? Or that one in every two women has experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual assault?
The picture may look bleak, however, great strides have taken place to end violence against women since the 1989 Montreal Massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique where a lone gunman, in his personal war against women, separated women from men, and shot 26 women, killing 14 of them.
Since that time more crisis centers, transition houses and second stage housing have opened, crisis hotlines operate 24 hours a day and men have taken up the challenge to end violence against women.
The White Ribbon campaign is men's attempt to stop this violence and the Violence Stops Here is the unions' program.
Every year both women and men come together to commemorate the 1989 Massacre as well as recommit to stopping violence faced daily by women.
Dec. 6 is now known in Canada as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This year will be no different.
On Monday, Dec. 6 at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall, join together to once again to remember the 14 women killed in Montreal and indeed all women who are victims of violence. Doors open at 6:30, remembrance begins at 7 p.m.
-Submitted
