Premier David Eby and Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, have released the following statement in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:

“Today, we join people in B.C. and around the world in calling for an end to gender-based violence and renewing our commitment to supporting survivors.

“Throughout B.C., violence against women, girls and Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people is a deeply troubling and harmful issue. The effects on survivors, their families and communities are devastating.

“Today also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This is a time for people, organizations, communities and governments to share how they are taking action to break the cycle of violence and provide safety and support to survivors.

“Our government is committed to ending gender-based violence and supporting survivors and organizations that provide them with vital services and care. This includes: providing annual funding of more than $10 million to sexual-assault response service providers; ensuring survivors have access to low-cost and no-cost counselling, outreach and crisis-support services; supporting victim-service programs; and making critical investments in transition housing, safe homes and second-stage housing throughout the province.

“We’ve made real progress, but there is still much work to do. We know this work needs to be done in collaboration with the people working directly with survivors and their communities to ensure we are prioritizing what is most needed.

“That’s why we are working closely with a diverse advisory committee, along with Indigenous and community partners. We are grateful for the many experts, advocates and community leaders who have provided feedback that is helping shape our work.

“We are also grateful for all the community organizations, advocacy groups, sexual assault centres, victim-services organizations and transition houses that support survivors of violence with care, compassion and experience.

“To the survivors, family, friends and community members who have been affected by gender-based violence and femicide, we grieve with you. We vow to continue working to address such violence and support survivors and their loved ones.

“Stopping gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility. If you see or hear something, speak up. Together, we can make our province safer for everyone.

“If you are in immediate danger, or think someone else is, there are resources that can help. You can call 911. You can also call or text VictimLinkBC through its toll-free 24/7 confidential, multilingual telephone service at 1 800 563-0808 or email: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca
VictimLink’s staff are there to provide immediate crisis support, information and referral services.”