A number of vigils are taking place across Grey Bruce today as part of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey Community and Fund Development Coordinator Michelle Lamont says vigils occurred at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market and Coulter Park in Port Elgin, with an event at Kincardine United Church set for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“For the most part, they will all be in support of in remembrance of the 14 women that were killed on this day,” says Lamont. “Also just remembering what we can do to support and combat that sort of thing to alleviate any violence against women, to stop it before it happens.”
Women’s House Public Education and Volunteer Coordinator Jessica St. Peter, who was hosting the event in Owen Sound, says ending gender-based violence continues to be relevant.
“We see it locally, in the actions and words used by leaders within our community, we have seen it in the number of women accessing our services seeking support, we have seen it in degrading language written in our public buildings,” says St. Peter.
The event in Owen Sound saw about 40 residents in attendance, including Indigenous community members who spoke about violence and how it affects different groups.
The national day remembers the 14 women who were killed at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal 33-years-ago in gender-based violence.
“It is just one of many things, one of many examples of violence against women. Unfortunately this was a mass murder, but in terms of violence against women, that is what our direction is, that is what we take our directive from and work towards ending,” says Lamont.
Lamont says the women’s house aims to combat and end violence against women and seeks out equal rights as they remember the women who have suffered through violence.
“We are remembering that there are still many women out there who are going through violent situations and so we want to be able to recognize what we can do to support them and put an end to it,” says Lamont.
St. Peter recommends anyone who wishes to help address gender-based violence to understand what services are available in their community, including the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey.
For those who are in crisis or know someone who might be in crisis, they can call the Women’s House crisis line at 519-396-9655 or visit the website here for more details.
