International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) – Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) continues to call for an end to all racialized and gender-based violence against Indigenous women.

Now in its 18^th year since being formally designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day aims to raise public awareness and mobilize activists on the issue of violence against women, and leads into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. This year’s theme, “Leave No One Behind”, is a call to ensure the most marginalized women are included in commitments to end gender-based violence.

Indigenous women in Canada are disproportionately represented among victims of violence, and in 2016, the homicide rate for Indigenous females was five times that of non-Aboriginal females. This disturbing reality is rooted in Canada’s legacy of racism and colonialism, and is currently under investigation by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Established in 1974, NWAC advocates tirelessly to eliminate violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada through legislative reform, policy development, and impacting government priorities. NWAC’s Violence Prevention and Safety Unit develops and delivers a range of programs and resources designed for survivors, families, and communities, including Project PEACE, Sisters In Spirit, and You Are Not Alone.

NWAC will continue its efforts to raise awareness about violence against Indigenous women and girls, MMIWG2S, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and incarcerated Indigenous women. To learn more and to access resources, please visit nwac.ca.

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Media Contact:

For information, or to arrange an interview, contact:

Roselie LeBlanc roselie@sparkadvocacy.ca or 604-928-3233

Pour obtenir plus d’information ou prendre des dispositions pour une interview, contacter:

Roselie LeBlanc, par courriel : roselie@sparkadvocacy.ca ou par téléphone: 604-928-3233