By Sarah Rae

Battlefords to remember, take action on violence against women

Dec 6, 2016 | 6:43 AM

People across Canada reflect one day, every year on how to end violence against women after the tragic events at a Montreal university 27 years ago.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, was established in 1991 to remember 14 women who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989.

Battlefords Interval House executive director Ann McArthur said it’s important to take time to remember victims while also taking action to end the aggression.

“I believe it’s important that violence against women be recognized throughout every community, because shelter use is not going down,” she said adding the shelter opened in 1980. “Until it’s recognized and acknowledged it’s not going to change.”

Interval House, Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords and Discovery Co-op are hosting a ceremony and discussion Dec. 6. There will be a short program to explain the significance of the day, a candle lighting and moment of silence, and a discussion about what people can do to stop violence against women.

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 2

6h ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

Apr 18, 2024

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

McArthur said perhaps one of the most important things a person can do if they know someone who’s being abused is to acknowledge it and let the person know they want to help.

“It’s very important the victim not be held responsible or accountable for the violence,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what the victim is doing, she doesn’t deserve any type of violence towards her.”

McArthur said there’s information available through various organizations in the community where people can learn how to identify whether they themselves are in an abusive situation or whether a friend might be.

The Battlefords ceremony for National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women takes place at the Discovery Co-op Marketplace Cafe on Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. The ceremony will be followed by cake and coffee.

Sarah Rae is battlefordsNOW’s court and crime reporter. She can be reached at Sarah.Rae@jpbg.ca or tweet her @sarahjeanrae.