Niagara Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

International campaign runs today until December 10th.

Niagara is formally supporting a global initiative to fight back against gender-based violence. 

Earlier today, leaders across Niagara raised flags to raise awareness of gender-based violence, as well as the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women across the coutnry. 

Today not only marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, but it's also the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. 

The campaign will run until December 10th, which is Human Rights Day. 

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley says Niagara's proximity to the border makes the region more susceptible to human trafficking, with women making up the majority of victims. 

"A challenge unique to Niagara is our geographic location as a border region which brings with it many tragic instances of human trafficking. These victims are 95 per cent women, and more than one in four are under the age of 18. These victims are controlled through grooming, coercion, isolation, shame, threats and substance abuse - we would all do well to be more aware and better educated on both the scope of this issue, and how best to recognize the warning signs."

He also says the public needs to consider the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada, as well as the increase in reports of domestic violence brought on by the pandemic. 

Additionally, on December 6th, Canadiens will mark the anniversary of the Montreal massacre, where several women were killed at Polytechnique Montréal. 

You can be part of the movement on December 6th in the following ways: 

• Attending a virtual vigil on December 6 to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am to honour the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal.
• Wear a white ribbon to honour the victims of the Polytechnique Montréal tragedy

A list of services to help anyone in an abusive situation can be found here.