As we know, the need for immediate action on gender-based violence is critical. In 2018, a woman or girl was killed every 2.5 days and on average, a woman is killed every six days by her intimate partner in Canada. And it has only been a couple of months since the national inquiry’s final report into the widespread violence, described as genocide, perpetrated against Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S*.
Last week, the Federal Government released the second annual “It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Address and Prevent Gender-Based Violence”, which highlights the Government of Canada’s progress on ending gender-based violence. This new report is evidence that our collective advocacy is moving the dial forward but is also a reminder that we need to continue the pressure because Canada still has a long road ahead before we can live free without the fear of violence.
The Government has concentrated its actions under the three pillars of the Strategy,
- preventing gender-based violence
- supporting survivors and their families,
- promoting responsive legal and justice systems (focusing on accountability).
Highlighted in the report:
- Investment of more than $80 million in more than 80 projects in communities across the country to prevent gender-based violence and support diverse groups of survivors and their families, including preventing teen dating violence and child maltreatment, and equipping professionals to respond;
- Investing in gender-based violence and gender equality research to support evidence-based policy and programs, the first public call for research proposals in over a decade;
- Bringing in a new law that provides five days paid leave for victims of family violence working in a federally regulated sector;
- Completing the expanded review of over 30,000 sexual assault case files by federal law enforcement in April 2019;
For 40 years, BWSS has been providing programs, services, support, and advocacy to end gender based violence. Now, more than ever women, trans women and gender non-binary folks are speaking out about their experiences.
Help give the gift of safety, because Safety Changes Everything.
