16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to end violence against women, girls, 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals. The campaign runs from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day. Over the 16 Days, our goal is to create greater awareness and encourage a dialogue about gender-based violence which continues to prevail as a reality that impacts women, girls, 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals worldwide. We want to encourage you to think about how you can be part of the change. Follow this link to learn more about the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
Everyone deserves and has the right to feel and be safe in their own home, their workplaces, schools, at the gym, and in their communities. Each of us has a role to play in ending Gender-Based Violence and it starts with being informed and then deciding what you can do.
Be an ally! Be part of the change.
Listen & Believe
If you suspect someone is being abused, ask them if they are ok?
Listen and believe - without judgment, blame, or shame
Recognize that it takes courage to speak about experiencing violence and that being heard and believed is part of the healing journey for survivors
Lead by example
What you do and say speaks volumes, so model equality and respect - at home, in your workplace, and in your community
Live and teach consent
Speak out - call out violence
Speak out against violence in the locker room, at work, on the sidewalk, in your community, to your MLAs, and more
Don’t put up with others putting women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people down
Intervene - if & when it is safe to do so
Offer your help - if & when it is safe to do so
Ask what you can do to help
Call the police if there is immediate danger
If you know some you suspect is abusing another person, tell him you are concerned and troubled by his behaviour.
Volunteer
Give your time to organizations and participate in initiatives to end violence
December 10 - Day 16
Gender equality is a fundamental human right
December 10 is International Human Rights day. Gender equality is a fundamental human right. Freedom from violence is a human right. We encourage you to think about how you can advance gender equality, create a society free of violence and discrimination, and promote and protect human rights.
To learn more:
December 9 - Day 15
Territorial-wide action against gender-based violence
The NWT Status of Women and many other organizations are advocating for change and improved services for northerners experiencing gender-based violence. The NWT Status of Women released a report, We Hear You, with 21 recommendations to improve services for northerners experiencing intimate partner violence, to help those who have experienced or been exposed to intimate partner violence heal, and to break the cycle of violence … so that our children and youth grow up to become adults who live full and healthy lives.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to the development of a Family Violence Action Plan; something we and other nonprofit organizations have long advocated for.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council is also hoping to launch their own program to address gender-based violence.
The NWT Status of Women works year-round to raise awareness about family violence and encourage prevention. Numerous other organizations provide front-line services to assist those experiencing family violence. Help is available if you or someone you know is experiencing violence; please visit our family violence safety information webpage for relevant services and contact information and our mental health resources webpage for relevant services and contact information.
Violence is never acceptable. Help is available.
December 8 - Day 14
Call out homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia
Today we are highlighting the need to work together to end gender-based violence against LGBTQ2 people, including transgender, gender-diverse, and two-spirit people.
43% of LGBTQ2+ people living in the territories experienced inappropriate sexual behaviour in a public space in 2018.
Fact: LGBTQ2+ females in the territories are more likely to be physically or sexually assaulted than non-LGBTQ2+ females
59% of LGBTQ2+ females in the territories reported being physically assaulted in comparison to 40% of non-LGBTQ2+ females
63% of LGBTQ2+ females in the territories reported being sexually assaulted in comparison to 39% of non-LGBTQ2+ females
Source of stats and terminology:
StatsCan Gender-Based Violence: Unwanted sexual behaviours in Canada's territories, 2018 and StatsCan Gender-based violence: sexual and physical assault in Canada's territories, 2018
December 7 - Day 13
Reflect. Remember.
Honour the 22 females murdered in the NWT 1997 - 2020
Today, we are reflecting on our December 6th vigil and asking you to remember and honour the 3 young women murdered in our territory in 2020 and the 19 females murdered in the NWT between 1997 and 2019. 22 females have been murdered in the NWT between 1997 and October 31, 2020. Femicide is the most extreme form of violence on the continuum of gender-based violence.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of:
Breanna Menacho, 22 years old, May 6, 2020 (Yellowknife)
Meg Kruger, 18 years old, September 9, 2020 (Hay River)
Viktoria Lafferty, 29 years old, October 31, 2020 (Yellowknife)
We remember.
Follow this link for the local newspaper article about the December 6th Vigil
Follow this link for the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability which we are part of.
Follow this link for the audio recording of our vigil.
Source of information: the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability and Statistics Canada
December 6 - Day 12
NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CANADA
On December 6, 1989, a 25-year old man walked through L’Université de Montréal’s École Polytechnique armed with a semi-automatic rifle and a hunting knife. He entered an engineering classroom, separated the women from the men, and told the men to leave. In less than 20 minutes, he shot and killed 14 women and wounded numerous others, before he turned the gun on himself. During what became known as the Montréal Massacre, the shooter made violent, gender-based statements and claimed that he was fighting feminism. In his suicide note, he blamed feminists for everything that had gone wrong in his life.
The Government of Canada established December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in 1991 with a bill that received all party support.
Each year, the NWT Status of Women hosts a vigil on December 6 to remember and honour the fourteen women who lost their lives in the massacre, all the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and all the women and girls we have lost to violence since this act of violent misogyny.
We invite you to join us for the 2020 Vigil which looks little different this year due to COVID-19. Instead of an indoor ceremony, we are hosting an outdoor self-guided walking tour along the Frame Lake Trail (just off the Somba K’e Park). The tour will take up to 30 minutes if you stop at each station, so feel free to join us any time between 1 and 4pm; follow this link to learn more.
December 5 - Day 11
BELIEVE SURVIVORS
So many survivors of gender-based violence do not report and do not reach out to the system for help. Instead, they seek support and understanding from their friends, family, or others in their circle. A survivor makes themselves incredibly vulnerable when they share their experience of violence and it takes great courage to speak about it. Being heard and believed - without judgment - is critical to their healing and recovery. So, we are calling on you to LISTEN & BELIEVE … with compassion, patience, and understanding.
Let the survivor know that you are there for them, that they are not alone.
Let them know that violence is never ok.
Ask them if there is anything you can do to help.
There is support available for survivors. It includes community counselling, victim services, various helplines; traditional healing, and more; follow this link to learn more.
December 4 - Day 10
BE AN ALLY … WHAT MEN CAN DO TO ADVANCE GENDER EQUALITY
The majority of men and women in the territories support gender equality and are against gender-based violence. So, the next step is to action these attitudes and turn them into behaviours of an ally.
What can you do?
Get informed. Listen. Believe. Be a role model … lead by example. Speak out. Speak with. Intervene if/when it is safe to do so. Volunteer.
There are lots of options, ideas, and information out there:
The Moose Hide Campaign - take the pledge to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and to work together to end violence against women and children
White Ribbon - take the pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls
It Starts with You. It Stays with Him - tips and information to inspire men to promote healthy, equal relationships
Government of Canada - 5 things men can do to help raise boys who respect women with RESPECT & CONSENT being critical attitudes and behaviours to advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence
StatsCan reports:
Gender-based violence: Sexual and physical assault in Canada’s territories, 2018 and click here for the summary
Gender-based violence: Unwanted sexual behaviours in Canada’s territories, 2018
December 3 - Day 9
END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND 2SLGBTQ+ PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
Today is the International Day of People with Disabilities. Did you know that 67% of women living with a disability in the territories have experienced physical and/or sexual violence? That is about 1.7 times higher than for women without a disability. 51% of women living with a disability had been sexually assaulted since the age of 15.
Today and every day, let's work together to support people living with disabilities and to end gender-based violence.
Follow this link to learn more
December 2 - Day 8
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS NEVER OK
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances or verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature. It’s can be an abuse of power or used as a way to embarrass, offend, intimate or control someone.
What can you do?
Talk to someone you trust.
Find out what your options are; options may vary depending on factors such as age, the sphere the harassment is taking place in, and the nature of the harassment.
Keep a record of what happened.
Ask them to stop or if you see it happening to someone else, call it out.
Ask for help if you don’t feel comfortable confronting it or want someone to help you.
Report it - at school, in the workplace, or in some cases, to the police (e.g. when you are been stalked or threatened).
Follow this link to learn more about addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Follow this link for tips for youth experiencing sexual harassment.
CYBER-VIOLENCE IS NEVER OK
Sharing an intimate photo without consent is a crime. Contact the police if this happens to you.
Follow this link to learn more about online hate and cyber-violence against women and girls in Canada.
Follow this link to learn more about cyber-violence among teens.
Follow this link for Sexting information and tips for parents and caregivers
END ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION
Our children and youth are being lured through the internet and other technology. They are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and sexual violence. Online child exploitation and pornography is growing across Canada. Graphic sexual videos and images are shared online in Canada and around the world; traumatizing the victims over and over.
If you know about a child who is immediate danger or risk, call 911 or your local police. We are all responsible for the children and young people in our lives.
The NWT RCMP have an Internet Child Exploitation Unit who work to combat online child exploitation and pornography.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection provides support to survivors of child sexual abuse and also operates Cybertips.ca: Canada's tipline to report the online sexual exploitation of children.
Click here to learn more about online luring.
December 1 - Day 7
END Sexual Violence
The NWT had the highest rate of sexual assault in the country in 2019. The rate of sexual assault in the NWT was 7 times the national rate ... so much suffering, pain, and trauma ... which is completely unacceptable.
This is compounded by the fact that NWT does not have specialized sexual assault services. It does not have a sexual assault crisis line, sexual assault crisis centre, or sexual assault support workers.
The NWT Status of Women has repeatedly recommended providing specialized sexual assault services; to-date, no action has been taken despite the glaring need.
What is sexual assault?
“The Supreme Court of Canada defines sexual assault as an assault committed by a male or female in circumstances of a sexual nature, such that the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. The crime of sexual assault can also be defined as any type of physical contact or behavior that is sexual in nature and occurs without the explicit consent of the complainant.” Follow this link to learn more
(Source: Toronto Sexual Assault Lawyers)
What is consent?
“Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent for any sexual activity must be freely given. Consent cannot be given by someone who is intoxicated, unconscious, or otherwise considered incapable of giving their consent. Consent can also not be freely given if it follows from threats to personal safety, or threats to harm others.” Follow this link to learn more
(Source: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada)
The Facts
Numerous factors increase the risk of experiencing sexual violence including:
being a woman
being a young woman or girl
living in a rural, remote or northern community
Indigenous women and girls are at higher risk of sexual violence
Immigrants, refugees, and Black women are at higher risk of sexual violence
2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals are at higher risk of sexual violence
women living with disabilities are at higher risk of sexual violence
We know that sexual violence is under-reported; only 5% of sexual assaults are reported.
To learn more: click here and click here.
November 30 - Day 6
Intimate partner violence - help is available
Did you know that intimate partner violence is the most frequently occurring family violence in the NWT? Did you know that intimate partner violence is significantly under-reported? Did you know that intimate partner violence accounts for almost 1/3 of all police-reported violence in Canada? Did you know that woman typically leave a relationship 7 to 12 times before she leaves for good?
Intimate partner violence is also known as domestic violence and spousal violence. It can occur in a marriage, common-law or dating relationship and at any time, including after a relationship has ended, with or without living together. Additional information can be found here:
Women and Gender Equality Canada
NWT Safety information can be found here and contact information can be found here.
November 29 - Day 5
Call out and speak up against GBV!
What is gender-based violence? It is violence that is committed against someone in response to their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. Who is at greater risk of experiencing gender-based violence?
Women
Girls and young women
Indigenous women and girls
2SLGBTQ and gender diverse individuals
Women living with a disability
Women living in northern, rural, and remote communities
We all have a role to play in creating safe homes, schools, workplaces, gyms, and communities.
November 28 - Day 4
Coercive domestic violence is oppressive, abusive, and can be dangerous
Coercive control in an intimate relationship involves a pattern of sustained, abusive behaviour - psychological, emotional, sexual, financial or another form of abuse - to control or dominate a current or former partner. Coercive control in an intimate relationship is a form of intimate partner violence. Examples of coercive control include not letting a partner see their friends or family or work, malicious name-calling and put-downs, choosing their clothes for them, and controlling their money.
When intimate controlling conditions are ongoing, victims are oppressed on a daily basis, and these conditions provide critical context for physical violence. The episodes of physical violence were often described as a consequence to a woman’s resistance to other forms of control, efforts to assert herself, or if she tried to leave.
There is no single factor that can explain or predict why intimate partner violence happens, to whom it will happen, or when it will happen. What leads to intimate partner violence is a mix of individual, family, social, community, and societal factors. Accordingly, everyone has a role to play in stopping intimate partner violence. Changing beliefs and attitudes; building safe and supportive communities; supporting youth, healthy families, and relationships; and targeting populations at risk are all ways to work towards preventing family violence.
Women experiencing intimate partner violence are not helped by criticism and blame. They are helped by compassion and support. Women who are being abused need their families, friends, neighbours, community, and leaders to be informed about intimate partner violence so that they experience meaningful support and help. They need allies.
Here are 12 signs of coercive control and 4 ways you can get help: https://www.healthline.com/health/coercive-control
Visit Justice Canada to learn more.
November 27 - Day 3
Financial and Economic Abuse is still abuse!
Are you experiencing financial or economic abuse? Know someone who is? Signs of Economic Abuse can include if your partner steals money from you, gambles jointly earned money, or prevents you from working. Economic Abuse occurs when a domestic partner interferes with employment, controls access to finances, refuses to contribute to costs or generates financial costs without your consent.
The CCFWE Economic Empowerment Checklist helps domestic abuse survivors thrive and build financially strong futures. Visit https://ccfwe.org/6-step-checklist-for-domestic-abuse-survivors/ for the full checklist and to learn more.
In Canada, 95% of women who experience intimate partner violence are also likely to experience financial abuse. 25% of women experience financial abuse even after they leave the abuser.
November 26 - Day 2
END Intimate Partner Violence
In the NWT:
The rate of family violence in the NWT is the second highest in the country; second only to Nunavut.
The rate of police-reported intimate partner violence is ten (10) times the national average. Of these victims, 81% are female.
The rate of police-reported family violence against child and youth victims is four and a half (4.5) times the national average. Of these children and youth, 69% are female.
The rate of police-reported family violence against seniors is more than twenty-two (22) times the national average.
Reference: Conroy, S., Burczycka, M. and Savage, L. (2019). Family violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile, 2018. Ottawa: Statistics Canada.
Help us advocate for the implementation of the 21 recommendations from our recent research project on Intimate Partner Violence in the NWT; here is a place to get started…
Recommendation 10: provide specialized services to women who have experienced intimate partner violence; services that are women-centred, trauma- and violence-informed, and holistic. These services should include access to specialized counsellors/mental health professionals. Consideration should also be given to incorporating navigational and advocacy services to negotiate the various government systems including justice, securing housing, income support, education and training, as well as access to childcare to support these efforts. Women may also require long-term, wrap-around services and support to aid their healing and ability to lead full and productive lives.
November 25 - Day 1
Go Purple
Everyone deserves and has the right to feel and be safe in their own home, their workplaces, schools, at the gym, and their communities. “Go Purple” for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: November 25 to December 10.
Join the NWT Status of Women Council to help raise awareness about gender-based violence: violence that is committed against someone in response to their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. Think about what you can do to help be the change we all want to see.
Follow us on Facebook for a new idea for action each day. Post your results at #standingtogethernwt. Start by wearing a purple ribbon on November 25th and keep it on for the 16 Days of Activism. Take it off your coat and wear it in the boardroom, on your Zoom calls, in your school, and at the gym – help spread the message of safety for all.
Why Purple?
Purple represents the pain and suffering sustained in interpersonal violence. Purple also symbolizes courage, honour, and healing and has a long history of being used as a symbol by those seeking justice.
We encourage you to raise awareness and demonstrate support virtually, too.
Add a purple ribbon to your social media.
Use the hashtag #standingtogethernwt when posting images of you and your ribbon or wearing purple on social media.
Follow the Status of Women Council of the NWT on Facebook and share our posts.
