It’s time to say NO to gender-based violence

December 6th is Violence Against Woman AND National Day of Remembrance for Gender-Based Violence.

We remember and we mourn the loss of women and gender-diverse individuals over the last 30 years. Most of us know violence against women has long historical roots. But, not everyone is aware it has been sharply on the rise during the Covid-19 pandemic. That makes practicing this day of mourning all the more important.

On December 6th, let’s honour all those who have encountered this adversity, and to those who have suffered from it.
On December 6th, let’s declare gender-based violence is a BIG problem in contemporary society
On December 6th, let’s encourage ourselves and the next generation to stand together for gender equality in Canada and around the world.

Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, November 25 to December 10, add your voice to the conversation, express concern, confront inequality and/or share other ways you’re working to end gender-based violence.

Some ways to honour the victims of the December 6th tragedy:

Wear a white ribbon
Observe a moment of silence at 11:00am or find a vigil near you
Learn the history behind this day of mourning, or watch University of Guelph’s YouTube video commemorating the 14 young women murdered in an act of violent misogyny at Polytechnique Montreal on December 6, 1989.
Join Canada’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Get informed by checking out Canadian Statistics on sexual assault, exposure to unwanted sexual behaviour, or partner abuse.

Midtown Counselling is a community-based therapy center, meaning that we care about what’s good for our community. We declare gender-based inequality is unhealthy and problematic for our community. We know some of you are more affected than others. We’re here to listen and extend a hand to those who have been or are being mistreated related to their gender.

If you or your children are experiencing violence, please know you don’t deserve it. Midtown Counselling and others in our community are here to help.

Please call, email, or book a consult to discuss your situation. We promise to listen and not to judge. We promise to respect your decisions and not to assume we know what’s best.

Other ways to access help for yourself or someone you know:

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region takes calls 24/7 for those needing crisis support, shelter or access to other domestic violence services.
Here247 is Waterloo Wellington’s Crisis and Mental Health line. This number should be in everyone’s contact list. You never know when you or someone you love or meet could be in need of urgent help. As their name implies, Here247 is always available and just one phone call away.
by Ummehani Rehmani, Child and Family Behavioural Therapist