December 6th is the official National Day of Remembrance and
Action on Violence Against Women in Canada
It was established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the sad anniversary of the death of 14 young women who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989 at l'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
Beyond commemorating the loss of these fourteen young lives, this day represents a time to pause and reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also a time to have a special thought for all the women and girls who live daily with the threat of violence or who have died as a result of deliberate acts of gender-based violence. Last but not least, it is a day for communities to reflect on concrete actions that each Canadian can take to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
National Day of Rememberance
12 years later the news is filled with reports about Amanda Stamp, the latest public victim of male violence in this Province.
It is time for the rhetoric to stop, and real action to be taken. Do you realize that each and every one of you reading this blog right now, know at least one female who is abused. We all have to take off our blinders and say enough! No, SHOUT enough.
In this civilaized country we call Canada, one in ten females are abused by partners. Perhaps they are not beaten, but is living with constant ridicule, fear, or shame any less harmful? What of the ones who are beaten, how many hits are needed before we intervene?
This blog started with a story about how Jillan Hadley ran naked into the street trying to save her baby's life from her estranged husband. She saved her baby, but lost her life. Not much has changed since her death.
There are a couple of programs in the US that have had some success in preventing Domestic Violence. One that I have looked at is the Cambridge Domestic Violence Free Zone. This is a work in progress program, but it has shown some remarkable successes.
So please, spread the word about December 6th. Check out your own community and see what is being planned for this day. Most of all, start some dialogue with your council members to see what their responsibility is, when home is not a safe place for females. Females hold up half the sky, we deserve a safe home too.
Posted by Dar... at November 18, 2003 10:41 PM | TrackBackOne of the sadest aspects of this issue is that almost all deaths from domestic violence could have been prevented if previous abuses we adiquitly punished. It is time we declair a zero tolerence policy on domestic violence.
Posted by: Bruce at November 19, 2003 09:32 PM