On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Gender-Based Violence Team wishes to reiterate that combating all forms of violence against women and girls remains a top priority, here and elsewhere.
Every day, the Hamilton/Niagara Community Health Centre is committed to helping women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and families affected by violence. We offer comprehensive support ranging from emergency assistance to rebuilding, as well as prevention and awareness services. Our work is not limited to intervening with victims and survivors: it also extends to education and early prevention, particularly through ViRAJ Ontario-HCCHN, a program that prevents violence in youth romantic relationships. We work with young people in schools and various community settings to offer interactive workshops, engaging activities, educational tools, and practical resources to promote respect, equality, and healthy relationships from an early age.
Gender-based violence takes many forms: domestic violence, sexual exploitation, harassment, cyber violence, and human trafficking, which remains one of the most serious violations of human rights. Trafficking is an extreme form of gender-based violence that destroys lives, families, and communities.
On this symbolic day, we call on governments and decision-makers to strengthen their financial support for community organizations that are on the front lines every day, protecting, supporting, and giving hope to victims. These resources are essential to ensuring the continuity and quality of services, but also to innovating in prevention and education approaches.
We also emphasize the importance for the Department for Women and Gender Equality Canada to promote funding for the establishment of a French-speaking shelter in the Hamilton and Niagara regions. It is essential that women who are victims of violence and their children have access to services and refuge in their own language when they need it most. Providing linguistically and culturally appropriate support is not a luxury, but a fundamental right.
Protecting women’s rights is not only a matter of social justice, but a collective imperative. Investing in women’s safety, autonomy, and well-being means investing in a more just, equitable, and humane society.
On this date, November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every woman, every girl, every member of society can live free from all forms of violence. We invite you to follow us through our social media posts and to join the various workshops we will be offering throughout this campaign until its conclusion on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Let’s come together to build a safer, healthier, and more equitable Canada.
One day – One gesture – One action
Loubna Moric – Director of VAW Programs.
