25 years after Montreal Massacre gender-based violence persists on Canadian campuses

OTTAWA, Dec. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, students remember and continue to challenge sexism and misogyny on campuses across Canada.

"On December 6, we mark the day that fourteen women were murdered on their campus because they were women," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "A full generation later, gender-based violence and discrimination continues in our communities, including on college and university campuses."

Violence against women is the most widespread and persistent human rights violation in the world. In Canada more than 50% of women will experience violence at some point in their lives, most before the age of 25. In a given year, more than one of every ten Canadian women suffer physical abuse at the hands of their partners and 25% of women undergraduate students experience some form of sexual assault.

"We are in the midst of an ongoing national conversation on gender-based violence that continues to legitimize the stories of some while ignoring violence experienced by others," added McCormick. "This day of remembrance is an opportunity to take action to end gender-based violence in all its forms."

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique murders.

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students

For further information: Sarah McCue, [e-mail] 613-232-7394

Related Links

http://www.cfs-fcee.ca