The Defence Team observes 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

December 10, 2021 - Defence Stories

Every year, from November 25 to December 10, Canadians commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. During these 16 Days, Canadians also observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women—remembering the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.

For the Defence Team, the 16 Days are an opportunity to call out and speak up on gender-based violence and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus), and gender-diverse persons.

We know that collective action against gender-based violence is needed. Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created and continues to present unprecedented challenges for those experiencing gender-based violence. In response to these challenges, the Government of Canada has compiled additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence. To learn more, visit the Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre.

In an effort to prevent violence in the workplace, Defence Team members are encouraged to bookmark and become familiar with the information and services on the Workplace conflict, misconduct, and harassment resolution web page. This page also includes links to the 24-hour member and family assistance services and the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which provides confidential support services for Canadian Armed Forces members affected by sexual misconduct and those who want to support them.

Defence Team members are also required, according to the New Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations Involving Defence Team Public Service Employees, to complete harassment and violence prevention training at the earliest opportunity. This training will explain your rights and responsibilities, and how you can ensure all members are treated with dignity and respect.

According to research published by Statistics Canada, gender-based violence is rooted in social structures and systems, which can serve to produce and reproduce gender inequality and gendered violence. As this year's campaign comes to an end, we would like to invite the Defence Team to reflect on actions they can continue to take to help make Canada safer, more respectful and supportive, and how we can together change the thinking of people and stand strong against gender-based violence.