On December 6, 1989, fourteen women were murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique. It was the deadliest mass-shooting in Canadian history, characterized by public officials as an anti-feminist attack representative of wider societal violence against women.
There were a myriad of factors that influenced this attack, chief among them was the shooter’s fear of women entering traditionally male-dominated space. 28 years later and this fear still persists—we see it in the everyday workplace harassment and violence that women face.
December 6 is a day we remember the women who died and re-commit to taking action on violence against women and girls until our streets, our campuses and our homes are safe.
Canada is not yet a safe country for all women, but it can be.
YWCA Light the Night Against Violence
YWCAs across Canada will participate in Light the Night Against Violence, where prominent landmarks will light up in red to reminds us that there is still work to be done to protect women from violence in Canada.
Across Canada, Government, local organizations and individuals commemorate December 6, as the National Day of Action and Remembrance on Violence Against Women.
In Vancouver, Telus Science World, City Hall and BC Place will shine red in support for ending violence against women.
Montréal Massacre Memorial 2017
When: December 2, 2017
10am – 6pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia St, Vancouver
Hosted by Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter , this free annual event includes lectures, films and discussion panels around solutions to sexual violence in Canada. YWCA Vice President, Housing Services and Violence Prevention, Lisa Rupert will be part of a roundtable discussion on transition housing for victims of abuse. Full program available here.
End Violence Against Women – Candlelight Vigil
When: December 6, 2017
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey
A free event organized by Public Service Alliance of Canada BC, this is the seventh year for the vigil. Organizers request that you bring an item to donate to a local women’s shelter. More information here.
See the YWCA Metro Vancouver Stopping the Violence brochure to find other local organizations that provide support for women leaving abuse.
The YWCA offers a range of programs that provide resources for single mothers who leave abusive relationships, from child care to housing and employment services.
