Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:

“Today, we remember all the women who have been hurt or killed by cowardly acts of violence. We stand with survivors and the loved ones left behind. And we double down on our efforts to end violence against women.

“Throughout the country, violence against women remains a persistent yet preventable problem. It happens at home, at work and in the community.

“Here in B.C., we have recently seen some tragic cases of intimate-partner violence that have devastated families, friends and communities. My heart goes out to everyone mourning a loved one today. The loss of these women highlights the urgent need to better prevent violence, strengthen how we support survivors and ensure all parts of the justice system are working together.

“Today also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which is an opportunity for governments, communities and individuals to take action against violence.

“Our government will always stand with women – not only with our words, but also with our actions.

“People who commit violence against women often reoffend. That is why our government has been working hard to ensure we have a justice system that prevents violence against women and holds those who use violence accountable. This work included engaging Dr. Kim Stanton to lead an independent review of how our legal system responds to sexual violence and intimate-partner violence. We have reviewed her recommendations and will have more to say on our next steps very soon.

“We have also led the country in calling for federal bail and sentencing reforms, including measures to impose stronger consequences for repeat and violent offenders and provide better protections for survivors of intimate-partner violence. Last month, the federal government introduced proposed amendments to the Criminal Code that reflect many of the priorities we championed, including reverse-onus bail following a finding of guilt for a charge of assault or sexual assault involving choking, suffocating or strangulation. This is a positive step forward, but more changes are necessary, and the federal government has told us that further reforms are coming later this year.

“This is just part of our work to end violence against women. This fall, we introduced stronger protections for people who have had their intimate images shared without their consent. We also implemented job-protected medical leave of up to 27 weeks for people who have long-term injuries due to intimate-partner violence. And we will continue to support prevention and awareness campaigns, housing for women fleeing violence and programs and services for survivors throughout the province.

“We know there is more to do, and we will continue to do that work until every woman in our province feels safe and supported.”

Niki Sharma, Attorney General, said:

“We’ve heard loud and clear from survivors that a new provincial roadmap is needed to respond intimate partner and sexual violence. To every woman who has felt silenced or dismissed: We see you, we are listening and we are acting. Our government is committed to urgent, compassionate change and building a justice system that protects survivors, holds offenders accountable and ensures no woman lives in fear.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“Today, and every day, we continue our work to end gender-based violence and support survivors. For those who have been harmed by violence and for the families of those who have been murdered or harmed, we will not forget you, we will not abandon you, and we will not stop until justice, safety and healing are a reality for all.”