17 years ago

A horrifying thing happened. Y'all know what it was. It wasn't on the front page of any paper this year, nor was it the lead story on the local news. On this day every year I try to stop and remember the women who died in Montreal 17 years ago, as well as all women who have been or are beaten and killed for no other reason than that they are women. I am both incredibly pissed off and profoundly sad that women are still being stabbed, raped, shot, degraded, blamed, and mutilated (all while holding the world's economy on their shoulders). Having worked in the anti-violence movement for some time I have seen a bunch of changes, some good, and some not so good. What I haven't seen is renewed and significant funding in this country to ensure the safety of women fleeing violence and support for women facing violence, nor the condemnation of violence against women in the legal system. What I haven't seen is absolute zero tolerance for violence against women in all areas of life. This sickens me. Today in Vancouver jury selection for the Robert Picton trial begins.

So today, or whatever day you read this, hug your mom or sister or daughter or neighbour and value the women in your life. Thank the powers-that-be for the non-violent men in your life, raise your sons to abhor violence. Remember the women who have died.