Confronting the Epidemic of Violence Against Women
Art by Sahana Sakthivel
April 14th marked the start of “Prevention of Violence Against Women Week” in British Columbia. The movement was created by the Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) to take action and prevent violence against women. Every year during the third week of April they commemorate the movement by engaging online and offline communities in violence prevention by recognizing that everyone plays a role in preventing violence against girls and women [1]. The province of BC said “They are ready to create an atmosphere of respect and safety for everyone” following the beginning of the movement [2]. Despite concerted efforts from several organizations, statistics relating to gender-based violence remain concerning. This serves as a grim reminder that we are a long way from achieving gender equality and protecting the fundamental rights of women worldwide.
Violence against women can take many forms including physical, sexual, verbal, and psychological abuse. According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, one girl or woman is killed every 48 hours in Canada, and the cost of dealing with the aftermath of domestic abuse is over $7 billion [2]. Just before the pandemic, there were some significant shifts relating to women-based violence that signaled positive change, but as the quarantine began, things changed for the worse. During the start of COVID-19, when many were isolated and forced to stay at home, reports of domestic violence skyrocketed. Four years later, as health measures have been lifted and things are starting to get back to normal, there have not been substantial improvements in gender-based violence nationally. From 2020 to the present day, there has been a 30% increase in the killing of women and girls (femicides) by a male suspect in Canada [3]. While this crisis has intensified over the last few years, what has the nation been doing to tackle the issue?
While the government has imposed some changes and raised a considerable amount of awareness, it is not enough to combat the issue. Awareness and action are two very different things. Although the federal and provincial governments have action plans funded, Angela Marie MacDougall, the executive director at BWSS argues that “we’re definitely not seeing the kind of action that we need to see [3].” It is organizations like BWSS that are providing support and services to victims as well as raising awareness and advocating for social change. Unfortunately, the government has failed to foster change and prevent this crisis from progressing. Provincial governments such as the government of British Columbia have deserted these organizations and efforts by providing subpar funding. The little money these organizations receive from the government is insufficient to address the epidemic that is women-based spousal violence in provinces like BC—which has reported the murders of three women in the last week alone.
Violence against women in Canada is only the tip of the iceberg. Globally, this issue has reached an all-time high with the UN reporting that more than 5 women or girls are killed by someone in their own family every hour (one every 11 minutes). In 2020, approximately 47,000 women and girls were killed globally by their intimate partners or other family members. Asia reported the highest number with an approximate total of 18,600 victims [4]. Furthermore, an estimated 736 million women (1 in 3) reported being subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence in their lives [5]. Factors like age and ethnic/religious status can increase vulnerability. For example, young girls and older women as well as Indigenous women and those who belong to ethnic or religious minorities are the most vulnerable.
Alarmingly, nations are scarcely committing to counteract violence against women and girls. For instance, only 5% of government aid is devoted to combating violence against women, and less than 0.2% is directed to preventing it [5]. More funding for women’s organizations, improved laws, prosecution of offenders, increased services for victims, and training for law enforcement officials are needed to tackle this crisis.
As we reflect on the end of “Prevention of Violence Against Women Week” it is evident that the strive to curb gender-based violence is far from over. The grim reality of national and international statistics reflects the urgent need for action to combat the global epidemic of gender-based violence. It is crucial to acknowledge that awareness is imperative but so is tangible action and adequate support from our governments. While governmental initiatives exist, their effectiveness falls short of the mark, leaving organizations like BWSS to fill the gap. Inadequate funding and limited resources exacerbate the problem, emphasizing the critical need for systemic change. Only through collective action and unwavering determination can we hope to create a future where women and girls around the world can live free from the shadow of violence and fear.
References:
[1]https://www.bwss.org/take-action/workers-activists/prevention-week/
[2]https://www.mybulkleylakesnow.com/62077/violence-against-women-prevention-month-begins/
[3]https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/04/12/violence-against-women-advocate/
[5]https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
