News release

Ceremony Marks Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Status of Women

Violence against women is never acceptable, excusable or tolerable.

Nova Scotians gathered at Province House in Halifax today, Dec. 6, to remember women who are missing or murdered in Nova Scotia and to renew a commitment to the elimination of violence against women.

"Today is a day to remember those who have lost their lives to violence and by doing so we make a statement that violence against women must be prevented," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, on behalf of Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

The ceremony was to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the 21st anniversary of the murder of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.

"As a community we all have a shared responsibility in making sure people are safe against violence in their homes. As government we are making a commitment to dealing with this serious issue through the domestic violence action plan," said Ms. Jennex.

The minister, along with members of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, heard presentations from the Kitpu Drummers, the Feminist Gumboot Troupe, spoken word artist Taryn Della and a prayer from Eskasoni elder Wilma Simon.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women has become a day to take notice of all women who live with, or, have died because of violence.

According to the Canadian Center for Justice between 1975 and 2008, 66 women were victims of 90 spousal homicides in Nova Scotia.

Statistics indicate in Nova Scotia a total of 91 women were victims of homicide between 1991 and 2008.