The Prescott-Russell Coalition to Eliminate Violence Against Women organized three ceremonies, including one in Rockland, in honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Friday, Dec. 6.
The ceremony in Rockland was held at the memorial stone at Parc Simon. The other two ceremonies were held in Casselman and Hawkesbury.
“Since 2011, these ceremonies have been a symbolic moment of commemoration in memory of women and children who have died as a result of gender-based violence,” stated the Prescott-Russell Coalition to Eliminate Violence Against Women in a release. “They also serve as a call to action, reminding the Prescott-Russell community that violence against women remains a scourge that demands our attention and collective action.”
On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Canadians pay tribute to the 14 women tragically killed 35 years ago during the 1989 Montreal Massacre at École Polytechnique.
“We also think of all those who have lost their lives this year in Ontario, those still in danger, and all those fighting for survival,” stated the coalition. “Since November 2023, Ontario has already recorded 59 femicides. These murders are preventable tragedies, leaving behind devastated families and shaken communities. As we commemorate these lost lives, we reaffirm our commitment to the women of Ontario and beyond.”
Nearly 100 people attended the three ceremonies. Locally, City of Clarence-Rockland officials, members of emergency services, community representatives, and residents gathered at Parc Simon.
“We still have a lot to do as a society when it comes to this issue,” said Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth, who attended the ceremony in Rockland, standing in solidarity with other community members. “Respect and love need to be taught at a younger age.”
Mayor Zanth said he is working on a few projects that will help tackle the issue of gender-based violence and hopes to see additional funding for the Maison Interlude House, an organization that supports women and children impacted by gender-based violence.
“I will gladly stand in the cold every year and be united with the community on this issue,” added Mayor Zanth. “These families have endured so much, and we know as a society, we do need to do more. It’s still, unfortunately, a prevalent issue.”
The municipality of Clarence-Rockland officially declared intimate partner violence as an epidemic at a council meeting on Feb. 14, 2024, unanimously approving a motion brought forward by Councillor Diane Choinière.
A report released in October 2023 by Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell showcases an upward trend in all forms of violence against women in the region.
According to the report, between 2022 and 2023, there were 312 domestic violence calls made to authorities, with no charges laid.
