Ending violence against women a societal problem: police officer
Women continue to suffer from abuse 34 years after Montreal mass shooting
Ending violence against women is not just a women’s problem, it’s everyone’s.
That was a message veteran police officer Const. Michelle Harrison brought to a luncheon on the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at the Amherst Lions Club on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
It’s the 34th anniversary of the mass shooting that occurred Dec. 6, 1989, at École Polytechnique in Montreal that killed 14 women and injured 10 others. It’s also part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Harrison, who is the Amherst Police Department’s school liaison officer, said ending violence against women requires a multi-faceted approach involving legislation, education and societal change. Education, she added, plays a key role in challenging stereotypes, while empowering women economically and socially also contributes to their independence and safety.
“Creating a culture that prioritizes gender equality and respects women’s rights is fundamental in eradicating violence against them. It’s a collective effort that demands commitment from individuals, communities, governments and organizations worldwide,” Harrison said.
She added women need to stop participating in the cultural buy-in, which consists of women — among other cultural minorities — accepting and upholding the ideology that they are less than domineering culture of power consisting of white men.
“Empowering our women involves creating environments where they have equal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making roles,” she said. “Supporting initiatives that provide education, mentorship and skills training can help women become more self-reliant and comfortable.”
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott signed a proclamation proclaiming Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women within the municipality.
A former police officer, provincial MLA and justice minister, Scott said thousands of women face violence in the form of harassment, assault, intimate partner violence and many other forms of abuse.
The mayor said everyone has a role to play in ending the cycle of violence.
“We can work towards eliminating violence against women through our individual actions in naming the violence when we witness it and supporting those who are affected whether at home, school, the workplace or in public spaces,” the mayor said.