At this time of year, I invite you to take time to reflect on gender-based violence.
On November 25th, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day was created in honour of the Mirabal Sisters, who played a pivotal role in the underground rebellion against the dictator Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. In 1960, Patria, Minerva and María Teresa were assassinated for their political activities, while Dedé lived to carry on her sisters’ memory. The Mirabal sisters are regarded as heroes and feminist figures.
Furthermore, On December 6th, we observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, created in tribute of the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre. In a tragedy that shook the country, fourteen young women in Montréal were killed in a gender-based hate crime, their lives taken for no reason besides the fact that they were women. These are their names:
- Geneviève Bergeron (21 years old)
- Maryse Laganière, (25 years old)
- Hélène Colgan (23 years old)
- Maryse Leclair, (23 years old)
- Nathalie Croteau, (23 years old)
- Anne-Marie Lemay, (22 years old)
- Barbara Daigneault (22 years old)
- Sonia Pelletier, (28 years old)
- Anne-Marie Edward, (21 years old)
- Michèle Richard, (21 years old)
- Maud Haviernick, (29 years old)
- Annie St-Arneault, (23 years old)
- Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, (31 years old)
- Annie Turcotte, (20 years old)
On December 6th, you are invited to wear a white ribbon to commemorate their lives and show solidarity with all those who have experienced gender-based violence.
Along with those whose deaths have received national and international observation, we remember the victims of violence who remain unknown or who have not been publicly recognized. Many of us can think about of our own family and friends, as approximately 64 percent of Canadians know a woman who has experienced abuse at some point in their life (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2022).
At this time, we must also consider ways in which we can combat gender-based violence. Supporting survivors is the first and most important step we can take. Even if you think that you don’t know a survivor, it is statistically likely that you do, so it is important to think about how even your actions and comments may impact those around you. Make sure that people within your circles know that they will never be met with blame or judgment if they choose to confide in you about their experience with gender-based violence. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education at York provides student with an opportunity to learn how to respond to a disclosure of sexual violence.
Secondly, I believe that to shift our culture away from the acceptance of violence against women, we must redefine masculinity. Masculinity is often associated with courage, strength, and leadership and many people see these qualities as needing to be affirmed through violence and aggression. However, masculinity does not need to be defined by the ability to overpower others.
Strength can be shown by standing up for someone who has less power than you, rather than putting them down.
Courage can be shown by confronting sexism or hate, even when it takes place among your own friends and family.
Leadership can be shown by taking part in community initiatives to combat violence against women.
By supporting survivors, educating ourselves, and redefining our culture, we can all work towards a world where gender-based violence does not exist.
Source: Canadian Women’s Foundation. (2022, June 1st). The Facts about Gender-Based Violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, reach out to York University’s Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education: 301 York Lanes, 416-736-5211, thecentre@yorku.ca.
If there is an immediate threat of danger, call 9-1-1 or York University Security at 416-736-5333.
Further resources and helplines:
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 416 863-0511
SASSL (York University Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line and Leadership): 24-hr Crisis Line 416-650-8056
Sherbourne Health Centre – Services for Lesbian, Gay and Trans people: 416-324-4103
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre Multicultural Women Against Rape 24-hr Crisis Line: 416-597-8808
Good2Talk 24-hr Student Crisis Line: 1-866-925-5454
Women’s College Hospital: 416-323-6400
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse: 1-866-887-0015