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Barrie vigil to draw attention to gender-based violence

Local event taking place Dec. 6 at Knights of Columbus Hall on Berczy Street; solemn day commemorates Montreal Massacre of 1989
BarrieToday Staff
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The 14 women killed at Ecole Polytechnique in 1989 are remembered at a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women event in Guelph in this file photo. | Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

NEWS RELEASE
WOMEN & CHILDREN’S SHELTER OF BARRIE
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On Dec. 6, the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie will join countless others across Canada in a virtual vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

This solemn day commemorates the tragic Montreal Massacre of 1989, in which 14 young women were murdered simply because of their gender.

Since that horrific event, Dec. 6 has become a day to reflect, remember, and take action to combat violence against women and girls across the country.

Each year, we honour the lives lost and continue to raise awareness about the systemic violence that still disproportionately affects women, particularly Indigenous women and girls.

Remembering the Montreal Massacre and the continued struggle

This year, we reflect on the 14 women murdered in Montreal 35 years ago. As we remember their names, we acknowledge the ongoing violence that continues to rob women of their lives. From Nov. 26, 2023, to Nov. 25, 2024, a staggering 62 women and girls were murdered in Ontario, according to the Annual Femicide List compiled by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses and researchers at the University of Guelph. The list includes women, children, trans women, two-spirit, and gender non-conforming individuals whose lives were taken by men.

The femicide victims ranged in age from two months to 96 years old, highlighting the broad impact of gender-based violence on all women and girls, regardless of age, background, or identity.

A special focus on missing and murdered Indigenous women

This year, as we hold our vigil, we also acknowledge the staggering number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Indigenous women represent a significantly smaller proportion of Canada’s overall population, yet they are disproportionately affected by violence. Indigenous women and girls are six times more likely to experience violence than any other demographic in Canada. This systemic violence must be recognized, and urgent steps need to be taken to address it.

The growing need for support

The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie continues to see an increase in demand for services. In the past several months, the shelter has been operating at over-capacity, with 35 women and children seeking refuge at any given time. As mental health challenges and addiction issues among abusers rise, leaving an abusive situation becomes even more difficult.

A call to action

Collectively, we can use our voices to demand that meaningful change takes place. We must advocate for policies, resources, and systems that protect women and girls and provide them with the support they need to escape violent situations.

On Dec. 6, we invite the community to join us for the vigil, starting at 6 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Barrie. We encourage all to take part in this important day of reflection and action. We also ask individuals to take action by submitting a personal pledge to end violence against women to [email protected].

How you can get involved: 

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