By: Anne-Marie Langan*
Since 1991, people all over the world have been participating in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence between November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10th, International Human Rights Day. There is growing recognition globally that violence against women has reached epidemic proportions, and in 2023, there were 51,100 femicides, according to the United Nations.[1] Statistics Canada reports that 11 million people in Canada have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) at least once in their lifetimes[2].
What actions can you take to raise awareness?
a) Wear purple on November 25th - purple (or lavender) has been associated with women’s rights since July 9, 1978, when 100,000 women’s advocates marched on the capital in Washington, D.C., wearing lavender shirts. One way to show your solidarity with those experiencing violence and to raise awareness is to wear the colour purple on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women[3]. You can also purchase a purple scarf from the Wrapped in Courage Campaign.
b) Wear a White Ribbon on December 6th – on December 6, 1989, Mark Lepine murdered 14 women and wounded 14 women and men at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec, in an act of misogynist terrorism. Following this event, a group of men formed a “white ribbon campaign” to end violence against women and promote healthy and respectful relationships between men and women. The white ribbon was chosen as a symbol of “giving up their arms.” Wearing a white ribbon shows your solidarity with this movement.
c) Attend a vigil or other event – Many organizations across the province who work with victims of IPV are hosting events to raise awareness. Two such events in Peterborough, Ontario, are:
November 25th—Peterborough Peace Council is holding an event at noon at the United Church on George St to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
December 6th—The Canadian Federation of University Women is hosting a Vigil on December 6th at 1 p.m. in front of Peterborough City Hall.
d) Take some time to educate yourself about gender-based violence and how you can help support victims by reading or watching educational videos and films. The government of Canada has several resources available for free on its website.
e) Become an ally by:
Listening: learn from the experiences of those who have experienced GBV
Believe: if someone discloses GBV, say the words ‘’I believe you’’ and ‘’This is not your fault’’
Speak out: If you witness discriminatory or violent behaviours and can do it safely, call it out.
Intervene: Express your concern and ask how you can help by providing support and resources
Act: give your time or donate to organizations working to end gender-based violence[4]
*Anne-Marie Langan BA, BSW, LL.B., LL.M. is the project lead for the sexual violence projects at Peterborough Community Legal Center, including the SHAPE project, which provides legal advice and education for those experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace and the Your Way Forward project which provides support for those who have experienced intimate partner sexual violence. These projects are sponsored by the government of Canada's Justice Department and Legal Aid Ontario. She can be reached directly at anne-marie.langan@ptbo-nogo.clcj.ca .
Disclaimer: This post contains general legal information as of November 22, 2024, that may or may not apply in a particular situation. It is important to note that the law, government policies and available programs can change, and this blog will not be updated to reflect these changes. It is highly recommended to seek legal advice from a lawyer about your situation.
[1] United Nations. (n.d.). International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
[2] Canada, W. and G. E. (2024, October 25). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/facts-stats.html
[3] DomesticShelters.org. (2024, July 1). The color purple. https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/ending-domestic-violence/the-color-purple
[4] Canada, W. and G. E. (2024b, November 4). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-days-2024.html
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