National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

STATUS OF WOMEN--National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Today, Canadians mark the 12th anniversary of the tragic deaths of 14 young women at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

A ceremony to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was held at Province House in Halifax.

"All Nova Scotians must take steps to stop violence against women," said Jane Purves, minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

She called for an agenda for change that includes empowering women and girls, raising the cost to abusers, providing for the needs of victims, co-ordinating institutional and individual responses, involving youth, reaching out to men and changing community norms.

Violence against women has no racial, economic, social or religious boundaries. The effects are far reaching and devastating, and the repercussions are profound.

Statistics released by the advisory council on Dec. 4 show that rates of spousal assault declined between 1993 and 1999. At the same time, the advisory council notes that two-thirds of women reporting spousal assault do not call the police, and almost one in five women report being afraid to be out alone at night.

"Our vision is of safe, healthy communities where women are not exposed to or threatened with violence," said the minister. "Our vision is based on the full equality of women and men."

As part of today's commemorative ceremony, the third edition of Making Changes: A Book for Women in Abusive Relationships was launched by Rita Warner, chair of the advisory council. The popular publication includes information about the different types of abuse and a directory of services which a woman in an abusive relationship can consider.

Ms. Warner said that now is a time to reflect on the courage of all the women who are struggling to stop the violence in their lives. She added that it is the advisory council's hope that the new edition of Making Changes will give more women the information needed to get out of violent environments.

"I hope that the Making Changes booklet will continue to reach out to women, to reflect their experience and help them find their way to those who can help," she said. "The many dedicated workers at transition houses and women's centres, police officers, court workers, health professionals and social workers can provide the practical help that is so badly needed in crisis and beyond."

The booklet is available by calling 902-424-8662 or, toll-free, 1-800-565-8662. It is also on the advisory council Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/staw .

The flag at Province House flies at half-mast on Dec. 6 to mark both the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the Halifax Explosion of 1917.