File Photo (Image Credit: Flickr / Province of B.C.)

By Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Combatting gender-based violence

Dec 6, 2023 | 10:30 AM

ON NOVEMBER 25, our government honoured the UN-recognized International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and British Columbia launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This international campaign, led by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University, aims to draw attention to issues around gender-based violence and advocates for its elimination.

The global campaign runs until International Human Rights Day on December 10, and B.C. is taking its own actions to address gender-based violence while providing crucial support to survivors.

It is critical to ensure safety for everyone in their homes and communities, and we’re taking action against the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence on women, girls, Two Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and other gender-diverse individuals. B.C. is not only committed to addressing gender-based violence but is actively developing an action plan to advance the ongoing efforts of service providers and community groups.

Between March 2020 and March 2021, our government provided $20 million in grant funding to support emergency sexual assault services across the province. The commitment extends to stable funding for over 475 local programs, including $10 million for 70 sexual assault services programs beginning this year.

As we work to eliminate gender-based violence, we also need to prioritize trauma-informed and survivor-driven care for people who have and are experiencing it. That’s why we announced five new centres in Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George, and Surrey that will provide wrap-around supports for survivors of sexual assault.

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Another action we are taking is the implementation of new provincial standards on sexual assault investigations. The province is actively responding to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, investing more than $10.8 million in the Indigenous-led Path Forward Community Fund.

On December 6, Premier Eby, Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore and I will join with the community in Victoria to hold a candlelight vigil in honour of the 14 engineering students and staff who were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. They were murdered because they were women. This day is a stark reminder of how dangerous gender-based violence is and how we must continue to work to support survivors and make our communities safe for everyone.

We know there is more work to do, and I’m honoured to be in this role and continue the work. Investments in transition and safe homes, affordable housing, paid leave for survivors, educational programs, and the new Intimate Images Protection Act, are more actions that demonstrate B.C.’s holistic approach to combating gender-based violence.

As the province works towards making more strides in creating a safer environment for all, these comprehensive actions highlight the importance of collaboration, investment, and systemic change. Through these efforts, B.C. is not just observing the 16 Days of Activism but is actively working towards a future free from gender-based violence.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.