16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

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Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It’s also the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which is commemorated every year around the world to raise awareness and trigger action on this pervasive human rights violation. The event culminates on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, Canada commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 to mark the anniversary of the murder of 14 young women at École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.

Halifax Regional Police continues to strive to raise awareness surrounding domestic violence, gendered violence and sexualized violence. Domestic violence and sexualized violence remain part of the organization’s annual goals, ensuring that we’re undertaking initiatives which enhance our understanding of victimology and traumatization, allow for a trauma-informed response to these calls, and focus on prevention efforts which address offenders instead of victims.

HRP, through our Victim Services Unit, assists victims of intimate partner abuse and sexualized violence. The unit is comprised of civilian employees and volunteers who work with police members to assist with non-policing issues such as emotional support and referral information. 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 at http://www.halifax.ca/Police/Programs/victimservices.php