Moosehide Campaign - Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

Today I fast with many other people across the country to support the Moose Hide Campaign. The Moose Hide Campaign is an effort to stop violence against women and girls in Canada. A lot of feelings come up on May 11. Feelings of past abuses to myself and those I love, nerves of possible future abuses, and sadness for those who experience these things and feel helpless.

I put on my moosehide pin and I am reminded,

• Every year there are over 60,000 physical or sexual assaults against women in BC

• One in three women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime

• Spousal violence of Indigenous women is three times higher than non-Indigenous women

I hear my rumbling belly and I am reminded,

• In 2014 there was a daily average of 7,969 women and children staying in shelters across Canada because it was not safe at home

• A woman or girl is murdered every two and a half days in Canada

• Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16*

I witness the speeches, the heart, and the commitment ooze out of the virtual spaces and I am reminded,

• Women and girls are supported in ending the violence

• We have the power to create safe and welcoming spaces for everyone

The Moose Hide Campaign gives us all an opportunity to reflect on how it is to be a woman and girl in Canada, as well as a BIPOC person. The intersectionalities and layers associated with this cannot go unnoticed. We must continue to fight for more safety for everyone.

*Statistics provided by the Moose Hide Campain and Statistics Canada.