December 6th Marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 02, 2014
Message that violence against women will not be tolerated remains 25 years since the Montreal massacre

The push to end violence against women remains stronger than ever 25 years after 14 young women were shot and killed at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. The tragedy that occurred that day in December 1989 prompted Canadian Parliament to mark December 6th as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

This year, the BC Nurses' Union is encouraging all members to spread knowledge about what constitutes violence and what can be done to stop it. Despite efforts, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. Over 50 per cent of women experience violence at some point in their lives, a majority before they turn 25. In the workplace, women of all ages are impacted including health care workers where violence is the leading cause of workplace injury.

Over the years, BCNU members across the province have held candlelight vigils, volunteered at women's shelters and commemorated those who've been impacted by gender-based violence.

On Saturday, December 6th members who live within driving distance of Vancouver are invited to attend a day-long meeting organized by the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter. It will be held at the Vancouver Public Library beginning at 10:00 a.m. BCNU has endorsed this event and donated $1,000 as part of our support for ending violence against women.

More information on Saturday's event can be found at
www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca/learn/resources/program-montreal-massacre-memorial-2014-0

Members are reminded that there are many ways they can stand up to violence and educate those around them that it is not to be tolerated. A few options include:

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