Starting today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ending December 10th, International Human Rights Day, marks the annual international campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Some Statistics

In 2023, at least 51,100 women were murdered by their partners or family members – that means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.

Women are more likely than men to experience intimate partner violence (IPV). 44% of Canadian women report experiencing some form of IPV.

61% of Indigenous women were likely to experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, compared with 44% of non-Indigenous women.

2/3 or 67% of LGB+ women who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship had experienced at least one type of violence since the age of 15, compared to 44% of heterosexual women.

Transgender and gender diverse people in Canada are significantly more likely than cisgender people to having been physically or sexually assaulted at least – 59% versus 37%, respectively.

In 2019, women living in rural areas of the provinces of Canada experienced rates of intimate partner violence that were almost twice as high as women living in urban areas (860 versus 467 victims per 100,000 population), with rates close to four times higher than those for men in these areas (246).

29% of women belonging to an ethno-cultural group designated as a visible minority reported experiencing violence committed by an intimate partner, significantly less than among non-visible minority women (47%).

Almost one in seven (15%) women students were sexually assaulted in the postsecondary setting at least once since they started their studies – three times the proportion of men students who experienced the same (5%).

Who is Affected by Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

Many Canadians across the country continue to face violence every day because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. This is referred to as gender-based violence (GBV) and is a violation of human rights.

If you look closely, you will see the roots of GBV all around you, in media messages that objectify women, in the jokes that demean LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit) people and in the rigid gender norms imposed on young children.

Some people are more at risk of experiencing violence because of various forms of oppression. Certain populations are more likely to experience GBV, including:

  • Indigenous women, girls and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual Plus (2SLGBTQQIA+) people;
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB) and people of other sexual orientation than heterosexual;
  • Transgender and gender diverse people;
  • women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities; and,
  • women living with disabilities.

The intersection of any two or more of the aforementioned characteristics may increase a person’s risk and vulnerability to violence.

The negative effects of GBV reach far beyond the individuals who directly experience them. Violence can have long-lasting and negative health, social and economic effects that span generations, which can lead to cycles of violence and abuse within families and sometimes whole communities. GBV holds us all back.

GBV is not limited to physical violence and can include any word, action, or attempt to degrade, control, humiliate, intimidate, coerce, deprive, threaten, or harm another person. GBV can take many forms including cyber, physical, sexual, societal, psychological, emotional, and economic. Neglect, discrimination, and harassment can also be forms of GBV.

Canada on GBV

Read Hon. Ien’s full statement

“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a global campaign that unites people to speak out against violence and drive change. This year’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, calls on all Canadians—particularly men and boys—to challenge harmful norms and take meaningful action to prevent and address gender-based violence.”

-Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

The vision for the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence is a Canada free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors, and their families, no matter where they live.

Pillar 1 – Support for victims, survivors, and their families

Pillar 2 – Prevention

Pillar 3 – Responsive justice system

Pillar 4 – Implementing Indigenous-led approaches

Pillar 5 – Social infrastructure and enabling environment

Ways to Get Involved

  • OSSTF’s D25 Human Rights committee has gathered learning and actionable resources for each day. Learn a little or a lot.
Click on the image above to access this OSSTF resource.
  • Over the course of this campaign, OC ETFO’s Status of Women Committee will be collecting items for Minwaashin Lodge.
  • Ottawa members are also encouraged to join the December 6 vigil to remember Montréal’s victims of gender-based violence:

Women’s Monument in Minto Park
(Elgin St. Ottawa)

December 6
6:00pm

December 6, 2024 marks over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989. It was this violent act of misogyny that shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

On this day, honour the victims of the Polytechnique Montréal tragedy by wearing a white ribbon. Visit the web page of the National Day for other ideas.

Other Ways to Get Involved

  • Use the hashtag #16Days to share campaign posts or create your own.
  • Use a 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2024 background during your virtual meetings.
  • Learn more about gender-based violence:
  • Attend an event in your community to show your support to victims and survivors of GBV. Consider donating to a local shelter if you can.
  • On December 10, Human Rights Day, read the full text or simplified version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or consult the illustrated booklet.
  • Become an ally by adopting these simple but powerful actions all year long:
    • Listen: be open to learning from the experiences of others
    • Believe: support survivors and those affected by violence. It is very important that you say the words ‘’I believe you’’ and ‘’This is not your fault’’
    • Educate (yourself and others): learn the facts about GBV; know what your workplace policies say about violence and harassment; take a course; participate in an event
    • Speak out: add your voice to call out violence
    • Intervene: find a safe way to help when you see acts of gender-based violence. Name what you see. Express your concern and ask how you can help. Intervening can also mean providing support and resources
    • Act: give your time or donate to organizations working to end gender-based violence

Affected by GBV?

If you or someone you know is in an urgent situation, contact 9-1-1 for emergency services in your area. If you are outside the 9-1-1 service area, contact one of the available crisis lines in your area. You can also access additional support services, such as mental health support, intimate partner violence helplines and shelters, and social assistance.

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