Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which marks the anniversary of the murder of 14 young women at École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989.

It’s a day to remember all women who have needlessly experienced violence simply because of their gender, particularly those who have lost their lives at the hands of such violence. It’s also a day of action, a day that we make a commitment to do our part individually and collectively to end violence against women.

As a police service, we respond to calls involving violence against women on a daily basis. Equally troubling is the violence against women that is less overt; violence that is perpetuated through the disempowerment, control, objectification or disrespect of women. This is where we must take a stand and make a call for action. If we can start small and speak up against the less overt violence, then perhaps we can prevent the extremely violent acts from occurring. Ultimately, this means all of us – both men and women – doing the right thing for the right reasons for all of society.

Halifax Regional Police continues to strive to raise awareness surrounding domestic violence, gendered violence and sexualized violence. HRP, through our Victim Services Unit, assists victims of intimate partner abuse and sexualized violence. Victim Services employees and volunteers:

· work collaboratively with police officers to assist victims of crime

· screen and review all intimate partner/spousal and sexualized violence calls to police

· provide crisis intervention and support to victims at a scene

· provide case coordination with primary service providers, safety planning, and information to victims identified as being at high risk.

Any person who has been the victim of a crime, regardless of gender or age, may use the services of the Victim Services Unit by calling 902-490-5300. More information on HRP Victim Services can be found athttps://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/programs-services/victim-services-halifax

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Source: Media Release