Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

 
“Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, serves as a sobering reminder that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.
 
This is unacceptable. Together, we need to take action stop violence against women.
 
In Canada, all women and especially Aboriginal women still face mounting discrimination and grave dangers, physically, emotionally, sexually, economically and psychologically.
 
Events in recent weeks have opened a new dialogue on issue of sexual harassment and abuse. We can all admire the courage of the women who have stepped forward to tell their stories. And we can honour their courage by taking action to end violence against women.
 
We must not be mistaken that violence against women affects only women. Because women play an integral role in our society and in each of our daily lives, violence against women slowly disintegrates our society, complicates families and damages our communities.
 
The Green Party urges all Ontarians, men and women alike, to commit ourselves to speaking out against the attitudes, rhetoric and behaviours that lead to violence against women. We need to address the challenges women face.
 
We must end all forms of violence against women and girls in our schools, in our homes, and in our lives, not just today but on each and every day of the year.”