Le Lézard
Subjects: NPT, WOM, AVO

National Day of Remembrance for Violence Against Women


Two experts comment on continued significance of this day

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women will be recognized across Canada on Thursday, December 6. 

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the murders of 14 young women at the l'Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal in 1989.  They died because they were women.

Every six days a woman is killed by her intimate partner in Canada.  

"This is a day to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence," says Teresa MacLennan, Executive Director of the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie. "We will commemorate the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation and stand in solidarity to never let it happen again."

Leanne Townsend, a lawyer and life coach who specializes in domestic violence and divorce, seeks to empower women.  "Communities need to take action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls," she says.  "By gathering as a group on December 6, we are providing women with the tools to feel empowered and take the appropriate action to stop this hurtful behaviour."

In Toronto, quiet reflections will take place across the city including a private reflection at Women's Habitat, which provides counselling, support, advocacy and shelter to women who have faced domestic violence.  A vigil will be held in Barrie on December 6 from 6:00 ? 7:30pm at the Barrie City Hall Rotunda. 

Leanne Townsend, along with Teresa MacLennan in Barrie, and Silvia Samsa, Executive Director of Women's Habitat are available in Toronto for in-person interviews on December 6.  Phone interviews available December 4 ? 6.

SOURCE PROnDemand



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