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Nelson hosts candlelight vigil on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
December 5th, 2017

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the courtyard of Nelson City Hall as part of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada.

The Commemorative Candlelight vigil and shoe memorial is hosted by the Nelson Violence against Women in Relationships Committee.

“On any given night in Canada, 3,491 women and 2,724 children sleep in shelters because it isn’t safe at home,” said Canadian Women’s Foundation.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada was established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada.

The day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal.

They died because they were women.

On to silhouettes of women are posted around Nelson downtown, many members of the community have pledged to help try to end violence against women.

“I pledge: to educate myself, my family and community in understanding and helping end gender based violence,” said Roger Luscombe of Nelson Community Service.

Nelson RCMP Sergeant, Monty Taylor said as a community leader, he will be proactive in stopping domestic violence and hold abusers accountable.

“I pledge to stand up for victims and ensure domestic violence initiatives and safety are available,” Taylor said.

“I pledge to be a positive role model and educate adults and youth in our community about healthy relationships.”

Nelson City Manager Kevin Cormack said he will also not be silent on even the little things that lead to discrimination, hate and ultimately violence.

“I will actively ask others to call out their friends and colleagues on this type of behaviour.

The Canadian government said as well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society.

“It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.”

 

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