Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton has issued the following statement in recognition of the proclaimed Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

"Today we pause to remember the lives of 14 women who were murdered in an act of gender-based violence at l'Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989.

"The extremely disturbing nature of what happened on that day continues to shock and sadden us all more than two decades later.

"To honour and remember women who have been victims of violence, our government is proclaiming Dec. 6, 2013 a Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in British Columbia.

"B.C. continues to support female victims of violence through more than 100 transition house programs and over 400 victim service and violence-against-women counselling and outreach programs.

"We've also established the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence and are making available up to $1 million in civil forfeiture proceeds to support crime prevention initiatives including the enhancement or development of Domestic Violence Units, the prevention of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in vulnerable women and girls, and the prevention of youth involvement in crime in communities throughout B.C.

"I want women at risk of violence to know they are not alone and help is available at any time. Please call your local police or VictimLink BC - our toll-free, confidential telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 110 languages - at 1 800 563-0808."

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602