MAY 03, 2013 DAN MAGAZINE 32 |a,w:|o 1t1Y/-Y/1t

FA iLY MATTERS

Never doubt that a small group of

thoughtful committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only
thing that ever has.-Margaret Mead-
Denition of "Violence against Women"
Living free from violence is a human right,
yet many women are threatened, beaten
or raped everyday across the world.
Violence includes acts that cause physical,
sexual or psychological harm as well as
threats of these acts. When it comes to
violence against women, many of us may
picture a woman getting beaten by her
partner. However, it is important for us to
know that emotional abuse is a type of violence as well. In fact, violence can take
many non-physical forms such as name-calling, humiliation, arbitrary deprivation of
liberty, punishment, isolation, denial and more.
Canadian Statistics on Violence against Women- We live in one if the best
countries in the world. Therefore, many of us may mistakenly think that physical
and sexual abuse is very low or nonexistent in Canada. However, according to
Fraser Health Statistics, there is one woman or child who is being sexually abused
every minute in Canada. Moreover, we have approximately 509, 860 cases of sexual
assault incidents per year, resulting in approximately 1,397 sexual assaults per
day. Every year, more than 90,000 Canadian women and their children get admitted
to shelters for battered women. Locally in BC, there are more than 13 cases of
sexual abuse against women per day. Having these statistics on violence against
women is very unfortunate, especially keeping in mind that these statistics do not
include all other nonphysical types of violence and abuse. These statistics show us
that we have a long way to go until we can win our hght against violence against
women.
The Solutions to Violence against Women - Knowing the dehnition of violence
and abuse is the hrst step towards stopping the cycle of violence and abuse.
Therefore we need prevention programs that can educate and support girls and
women on these topics. Furthermore, we need shelters and support services for
abused women and their children to be able rebuild healthy lives, free of any
coercion or abuse.
The Struggles of Preventing Violence against Women - Nonproht programs
and services require strong hnancial support. However, government has a
limited budget when it comes to these organizations. Therefore, we have many
good-hearted people working restlessly to fundraise for organizations that prevent
violence against women. However these people cannot do it alone. They need OUR
help to be able to make a difference.
How YOU Can Make a Difference Today Scotiabank is donating $10,000 to
the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards program this year. This award is one of
the most recognized awards for women. Maureen McGrath, the host of Sunday
Night Sex Show on CKNW 980 AM in Vancouver, is one is one of the nominees for
this award. She plans to use this donation towards preventing violence against
women. You can make a difference in the lives of women by going to this URL
(http://www.ywcawomenofdistinction.org/#!ctca) and voting for Maureen McGrath
today. Together we can make a difference and now is the time.
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End Violence against Women by a Click of Your Mouse
By Yasaman Madanikia
Sexuality Researcher at Simon Fraser University
Sex Educator at GoTo Educational Technologies
Sex Columnist at Hush Magazine
Miss World Canada 2013 Delegate