It's time to put a stop to violence against
women
Currently we are in the midst of a global campaign known as 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence that kicked off on November 25 - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign concludes on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
In the midst of the campaign, we mark December 6. This is the day we pause to remember the tragic act that was committed against 14 young women at L'École Polytechnique de Montréal. They were killed simply because they were women.
Since Woman Abuse Prevention Month in November and throughout the 16 days, communities across the province have focused on increasing awareness about violence against women while pausing to remember those killed by violence and still experiencing violence in their lives.
In Ontario, we believe deeply that all women should be able to live in safety and security in their homes, workplaces and communities - free from the threat of violence. Yet our province has not escaped the scourge of violence against women.
Ending this violence is a priority for the McGuinty government. We're investing $208 million annually in programs and services that address violence against women.
Our focus is on supporting action at the community level. With our community partners, we continue our best efforts to help abused women. Since 2003, we've increased funding to community-based services for abused women by 40 per cent. We have recently brought forward proposed changes to family law to strengthen abuse protection for women and children.
But there is more to do.
The reality of violence against women is horrific. It devastates lives.
During these 16 days - and every day of the year - let's each of us take action. Whether it's buying a rose button, or supporting your local women's shelter, it's another step to making Ontario's communities safer for women and their children.
Deb Matthews
Minister Responsible for Women's Issues
