The Women�s Policy Office is often asked why they focus on violence against women when violence against anyone is unacceptable. However, women represent the majority of sexual assault victims and spousal assaults experienced by women tend to be more severe overall, more frequent and cause more serious physical injury and psychological harm.

Violence against women can take many forms. The most common categories are psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, financial or economic abuse and spiritual abuse. The consequences of this violence and abuse are dealt with by both the woman and society in general. Including health care costs, policing, legal fees, incarceration, lost earnings and psychological costs, violence against women costs an estimated $1.2 billion annually. Health Canada calculates a cost of $1.1 billion just for the direct medical costs of violence against women.

It is worth noting the Women�s Policy Office also oversees the Violence Prevention Initiative, a government-community partnership to develop and implement long-term solutions to the problem of violence against those most at risk in our society. These include women, children, the elderly and others who are victims of violence because of their race, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or economic status.

By collaborating with community partners, government continues to work towards reducing violence, improving the coordination and delivery of government services and programs for victims and enhancing violence prevention initiatives at the community level.

Today is a day to think about those who live each day with the threat of violence. It�s also a time to reflect on the concrete actions that we as a government and that each individual can take to prevent and eliminate violence against women. As a memorial to these 14 young women, and to all those who have lost their lives to violence, the flags outside of Confederation Building will be flown at half mast.

News Release - Minister recognizes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

2004 12 06                1:50 p.m.