Statement on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6, 2022

CUASA Statement on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, CUASA remembers and honours the lives of 14 women murdered at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989, and we reflect on the need to end gender-based violence in all forms.

Although initially created to remember the lives lost in the Polytechnique massacre, this day has expanded to recognize all instances of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is abuse that targets women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, which can take on various physical and emotional forms [1]. Over four in ten women have experienced intimate partner violence, which disproportionately impacts Indigenous and racialized women, 2SLBGTQ+ women (especially racialized trans women), Immigrant women, disabled women, and sex workers. For more detailed statistics and information, check out the Canadian Women’s Foundation [2].

Join the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crimes (CRCVC) at the Women’s Monument at Minto Park on Elgin Street on Tuesday, December 6th at 6pm EST for a candlelight vigil [3]. Survivors of sexual assault in need of resources can contact the Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa for confidential support [4].

In Remembrance Of:

• Geneviève Bergeron (born 1968), civil engineering student
• Hélène Colgan (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Nathalie Croteau (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Barbara Daigneault (born 1967), mechanical engineering student
• Anne-Marie Edward (born 1968), chemical engineering student
• Maud Haviernick (born 1960), materials engineering student
• Maryse Laganière (born 1964), budget clerk in the École Polytechnique’s finance department
• Maryse Leclair (born 1966), materials engineering student
• Anne-Marie Lemay (born 1967), mechanical engineering student
• Sonia Pelletier (born 1961), mechanical engineering student
• Michèle Richard (born 1968), materials engineering student
• Annie St-Arneault (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Annie Turcotte (born 1969), materials engineering student
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (born 1958), nursing student