See full size imageNational Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

                                  

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Learning about National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

 

   December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This date was established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada to commemorate the deaths of fourteen younger female students who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989 in Montréal because of their gender.

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    On December 6th, 1989, 14 young female engineering students were tragically killed at Montreal's L'Ecole Polytechnique. This act  

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       The 14 victims of the December 6th tragedy were:

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       Beyond commemorating the loss of these 14 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.

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    Events for December 6th are held across Canada every year by various organizations, groups, individuals and school. Women, men, and children are all invited to show support for the fight agaisnt violence on women.

        Since the establishment of December 6th as a commemorative day for the 14 women who were killed at L'Ecole Polytechnique, other initiatives and events have developped to further support the elimination of violence. In particular, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence takes place every year starting on November 25th which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10th which marks the International Declaration of Humans Rights. During these 16 days, various initiatives take place to increase the awareness of gender-based violence and the need to eliminate its presence.

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     Support for this issue can be shown in a number of ways. Past initiatives across Canada include holding a candle light vigil, making beeswax candles, wearing a purple (PEI Purple Ribbon Campaign) or white (White Ribbon Campaign: Men working to end men’s violence against women) ribbon, hanging posters in schools (can be ordered from the Canadian Status of Women Council), screening a film on violence, or laying red roses for the women that have been lost.

            Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women encourages each hamlet to hold their own personal event or gathering in remembrance of the women lost to violence and as a sign of support for those living with its effects. Violence against women and children in Nunavut continues to be prevalent, affecting not only the abused but also friends, family and the community at large. By holding a commemorative event, we hope that communities have the opportunity to remember those that have been lost and reflect on ways to reduce all forms of violence across Nunavut

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     Since the establishment of December 6th as a commemorative day for the 14 women who were killed at L'Ecole Polytechnique, other initiatives and events have developped to further support the elimination of violence. In particular, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence takes place every year starting on November 25th which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10th which marks the International Declaration of Humans Rights. During these 16 days, various initiatives take place to increase the awareness of gender-based violence and the need to eliminate its presence.

       White Ribbon Campaign: Men working to end men’s violence against women is an anti-violence campaign that was initiated and is run by men. They pledge to "never commit, condone or remain silent about violence agaisnt women and girls." For more information, please visit their website.

        The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon has also started a campaign called UNiTE To End Violence Against Women. For more informtion on his initiatives please visit the website.

        Although not during the 16 Days of Activism, the YWCA holds A Week Without Violence during the month of October. For more information about this initiatve or to learn how you can become involved, please visit their website.

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   Below is a list of organizations that can be contacted to receive more information, resources, or materials in regards to violence against women.

Status of Women Canada (SWC) 
123 Slater Street - 10th Floor 
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 1H9 
Tel: (613) 995-7835
Fax:  (613) 957-3359 (Distribution Centre) or (613) 943-2386 (for info)
TDD: (613) 996-1322
Email: publications@swc-cfc.gc.ca (to order material) or communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca (for info)

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
Family Violence Prevention Unit 
Public Health Agency of Canada
200 Eglantine Driveway
(Address Locator: 1909D1) 
9th Floor, Jeanne Mance Building
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0K9

Telephone : 1-800-267-1291 (8am-8pm ESTNew)
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
Fax : (613) 941-8930
Email : ncfv-cnivf@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Education Wife Assault 
To purchase educational resources, material, posters and other supplies. 
427 Bloor Street West - Box 7 
Toronto, Ontario  M5S 1X7 
Tel: (416) 968-3422
Fax: (416) 968-2026
TTY: (416) 968-7335 
Email: info@womanabuseprevention.com

White Ribbon Campaign 
To purchase posters, white ribbons, pins and other supplies.
365 Bloor Street East - Suite 203 
Toronto, Ontario  M4W 3L4 
Tel: (416) 920-6684 or 1-800-328-2228 
Fax: (416) 920-1678
Email: info@whiteribbon.ca

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