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Violence Against Women in Canada

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Violence Against Women in Canada is an ongoing social issue that many Canadian women face. Violence Against Women can be defined as gender-based violence where a man harms a woman by sexually, physically, emotionally,

 
End gender based violence

verbally harms her[1]. The United Nations defines it as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life"[2]. Sexual violence is an attack on someones agency and their human rights. Violence against women is theorised as having nothing to do with sex, but more so with the perpetrators domination and power over another individual or in other words "acts as a method of social control over women"[3]. Violence against women consists of, but is not limited to: gender-based and domestic violence, rape, marital rape and incest, Murder and assault including dowry-related violence and honour killing, Forced marriage, female genital mutilation, human trafficking including cross-border prostitution rings and bride kidnapping, war crimes including rape as a weapon of war"[2]. Misconstructions about why sexual violence takes place in our society is that the perpetrator is in need of someone and can not control his/her urges[4]. Sexual violence is about gaining power[4].VAW in Canada is a broad complex issue that includes many things from cyber violence , stalking and harassment and spousal violence[1]. Provinces and Territories in Canada such as Nunavut, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been reported to have the highest VAW cases, were as Ontario and Quebec have been on the lower end of the spectrum for VAW as of 2011[5]. In Canada, Aboriginal women are more then likely to experience gender-based violence than non-Aboriginal women, and are also more likely to go missing and be murdered[5]. Many social factors can lead to the increased likely hood of violence against certain women. Some of theses things include education level, income, immigrant status, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation and able-ism[3]. Victims tend to be the minorities in Canadian society[3]. Systemic oppression and sexism can help to understand the world we live in and why women are inferior to men,[3] this is perpetuated in many different ways by Westernised society[3]. In many societies, it is believed that men have the right to control women and their male privilege allows for such behaviour[2].


Background

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Patriarchal views that put men on a pedestal and women being classified as second class citizens throughout history has contributed to the discrimination and violence they continue to endure[6][3]. Understanding the Male gaze can be used to explain how patriarchal systems work and why women are made to be sexual objects for male attention. The media and discourse created to subordinate women also plays a significant role in sustaining violence against women. Representation of women in popular culture such as advertisements, magazines and television shows being depicted in sexually violent ways is a rampant social issue. They are often depicted as " portrayed as sexually available; the ways women are held to different sexual standards than men (as is the case with “slut shaming”); the ubiquitous jokes about wife-beating and sexual coercion; and indeed the salacious violence on television and in films wherein female victims are often shown as sexualized objects"[3]. Many companies including Dolce and Gabbana and American Apparel have become notorious for their objectification and portrayal of women being sexually dominated, murdered and raped in their advertisements. This often perpetuates Violence against Women by negatively shaping a persons view on what is right or wrong[7]. Victim blaming and Rape myths prolong the ideas that women "ask for it" and enjoy being sexually violated [7]. Rape Culture is a reflection of the society we inhabit where victims are blamed and sexual violence against women has become so normalised and so prevalent [8]. The term "Rape Culture" was created by feminists in the 1970's who believed society was acceptable to normalising Violence against Women [9]. As the saying goes "We live in a society that teaches don't get raped, instead of don't rape!"[9]. Advertisements and many other mediums make content that reflects social norms[8]. The media promotes ideas and images that reinforces Rape Culture[8]. Sexual violence is often used as comedic relief and rarely taken seriously in television shows[8]. Perpetrators of Rape are given little to no jail time and are rarely help responsible for their own actions[8]. This goes hand in hand with beliefs embedded in our culture perpetuating the ideas that women are sexually submissive to men. Rape Culture is not addressed to bring about social and systemic change. For many years women have been excluded from actively contributing and participating in society and were considered incapable to work/vote, the weaker sex and were even denied their right to education[6]. The feminist women's movement refuted these claims and empowered women to move past the oppression patriarchal society imposed on them to openly speak about problematic issues like the right to consent to sexual intercourse[6]. This gives women a right to their own bodies and to be assertive when refusing any unwanted sexual activity.

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To consent to anything is “to agree to do or allow something: to give permission for something to happen or be done” and "is the foundation of sex and the element that is missing in sexual violence [10][11]. In Ontario, the updated Sex Education curriculum has revised the old by now introducing the concept of consent into the classroom[10] . Students are learning about their boundaries by understanding that if they are uncomfortable in any situation, they have the right to speak up and learning to respect others when they say "No"[10]. Consent is about having power and autonomy over ones body and is vital to sustaining healthy sex life[10]. This can be done verbally or non-verbally between agreeing parties who have given and received consent. Any persons who is not sober and being manipulated into sexual activity can not consent[10]. This is called Rape. Individuals have the right to change their minds about participating in sexual activity, at this point the other individual must respect that this person has said "No" [10]. Students in Ontario will learn to respect one another's personal space[10] . Specific details on case studies and scenarios will be given to show what consent looks like in a healthy relationship[10]. Discussions about how to be assertive while saying "No" in these situations will be given by teachers[10]. Consequences about not respecting other peoples boundaries will also be thoroughly explained in the legal, social and emotional aspect[10]. Students will be given the proper information they may need in case of sexual violence from community centres and support groups to public health units[10]. The Criminal code of Canada states that one must be fully aware and conscious to say "yes"[12] .No one should ever abuse their power into getting something sexual from someone who has not agreed to[12]. In Canada the official age for consent is 16[12]. People under the age of 12 can not consent[12]. Between the ages of 12 to 16 depending on the persons age (peer to peer) varies when it come to consent[12]. People under the age of 18 are considered minors and are protected from exploitation under the Criminal Code of Canada[12].

Myths vs. Facts about Sexual Violence

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Myths about sexual violence are perpetuated by false beliefs engraved in many societies [13]. In order to acquire the abilities to differentiate myths from facts about rape and sexual violence one must understand that these myths are created to take away from the victims agency by not blaming the perpetrator for their actions [14] . This in turn helps society reject the stigma surrounding Violence against Women[14] .The way a women chooses to dress or act is never an invitation to her body. Sexual Harassment is also very prevalent in the workplace and on university and college campuses in Canada [14]. There are many problems that come with the aftermath for the victim who has experienced sexual violence. These consist of physical, psychological and psychiatric long term effects [15]. This includes, but is not limited to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stress, self-harm, frequent crying, fear guilt, infertility, trust issues, passivity, insomnia and disassociation[15][14]. Here in more detail are some of the many myths followed by the facts about sexual violence, rape, assault and harassment in Canada:

Myths Facts
One is most likely to experience sexual assault by a stranger[13] 82% of reported sexual assault is committed by someone known to the victim. This can include a married partner, a date, acquaintances, or a boyfriend [13]
The only place one might experience sexual assault is outside when it is dark, most commonly in secluded places[13] Most sexual assaults take place in private places [13]
If a women is drunk, unconscious or stoned, it is okay to proceed and have intercourse with her [13] This is against the law. If a women is not alert or sober enough to say "yes" this is sexual assault [13]
It is not considered sexual assault if a women does not call the police [13] One in ten victims report sexual assault to the police. Rape should not be ignored just because a women did not report the crime [13]
If a women did not show any signs of not wanting the attack by screaming and fighting back, then it must not be sexual assault [13] Fear of what the attacker might do and what is actually happening to the victim will put the victim off of fighting back. If the victim is under the influence or unresponsive she can not push the attacker off [13]
It is impossible for husbands and/or boyfriends to commit sexual violence against their partners [13] This type of violence happens in many intimate relationships [13]
"What are the chances of sexual assault happening to me? I am sure it is very little!" [13] This form of violence does not discriminate against anyone. Victims and survivors of sexual assault come from various different backgrounds [13]
One of the signs that sexual assault occurred is if a women is crying or clearly in distress [13] One cannot be judge someone by how they may respond to rape. Everyone reacts differently to traumatic situations [13]
An indicator of rape is obvious signs of physical trauma [13] Bruises and marks do not have to be left on someones body to be proof of sexual assault. The attacker may use words and or weapons to get their way [13]
Women like to lie about being sexually assaulted to get attention [13] In Canada the amount of people falsifying sexual assault is very rare. Many women choose not to report it because of fear, shame and many problems that come with rape [13]
A women is lying about sexual assault if she does not remember the details of the attack [13] If a women is under the influence of drugs or alcohol it may be hard for her to remember the incident in order. It is common for survivors to not remember as a way to put the rape behind them. Being in a situation where you are scared and in shock can hinder ones ability to remember and coherently express what happened [13]
It is not sexual assault if it is not a physical act by using penetration [13] Any time someone resists any form of unwanted sexual contact may it be kissing, touching of body parts or stalking this is sexual violence. Sexual assault can be verbal as well as involving no physical acts [13]
"Who would want to sexually assault a women with a disability anyways?" [13] These groups of people are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence/assault in Canada. They are more likely to be harassed,raped or assaulted than able bodied individuals [13]

Key Findings and Statistics

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Large amounts of VAW in Canada cases are unreported due to fear of victim blaming and retaliation by the abuser[16]. Men have been responsible for most of the reported cases on abuse experienced by women varying from the victim and abuser not knowing one another, domestic violence, people known to the victim, and violence committed by family members[16]. Such abuse detrimentally effects young girls and women emotional and mental development, often living in fear and experiencing depression and anxiety as well as having low self-esteem [16]. According to the Government of Canada, statistics show that it costs Canada approximately 1.5 billion dollars annually to deal with VAW, which includes everything from medical bill costs to costs related to mental health, time spent away from work and women's shelters where victims go to rehabilitate[17]. In 1993 Canada conducted its very first questionnaire that selected thousands of women across Canada to speak on their experiences with sexual abuse and violence[17], the goal was to have government intervene and pay more close attention to women's issues[17], which created more laws surrounding the protection of women.[17] According to surveys and statistics half of the Canadian female population is said to have experienced some kind of physical or sexual violence[18]. Yearly thousands of children witness intimate partner violence which negatively effects their well being especially for younger children[18]. Young women between the ages of 15 and 24 are at a higher risk of falling victim to gender based violence[18]. As of 2013, there have been 668 missing and murdered Aboriginal girls and women[18]. Women in comparison to their male counterparts are much more likely to fall victim to criminal harassment and sexual offences[18]. Thousands of women also seek shelters as a way to escape abuse, many of whom are turned down due to full shelters, mental illness or drug related issues[18].

Activism

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Many support groups have been formulated to help combat VAW in Canada, a place where women and young girls can go to receive the support they may need. One well known organisation in the heart of downtown Toronto is the Canadian Women's Foundation. Their main goal is to tackle gender inequality in the Canadian context as they deal with the ways in which they can continue to support girls and empower them to move past social inequalities that may hinder their ability to be active agents in society[1]. They use their social media (Twitter account) to raise awareness that speaks out against sexism, racism and to efficiently reach out to millions of Canadian girls and women. The Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres is also a social activist group In 2013 a women named Sonia Harry founded a non-profit organisation called "Burning Bliss, Project Phoenix" to help combat violence against women and children in Canada. After being brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend, she started this organisation for survivors where she goes around to different homes of women who have suffered from domestic violence and revitalises their homes by painting their walls[19]. According to the mandate of her organisation their purpose is to "Paint hope into homes. Show Compassion in crisis. Be a voice for the silenced. Unity against domestic violence"[20]. Her organisation also consists of musical artists who have helped to raise awareness.

 
Physical Abuse

Femicide

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Femicide is the term coined for the prevalent and intentional serial killings of women [21][22]. Societal structures such as misogyny, sexism, homophobia and inequality between men and women are important factor that contribute to violence against women in Canada[23]. Domestic violence is another key factor that escalates into the homicide of females. There are many forms of femicide which include murdering women because of their sexual identity[21]. Honour killings and intimate and non intimate femicide[21]. Female infanticide, sex selective foeticide, and genital mutilation[21]. Targeted killings, gang and dowry related femicide and the epidemic abduction and murdering of Aboriginal women and girls[21]. In Canada, Aboriginal women are murdered more than any other groups of people. This has to do with a mixture of racism and sexism[24]. Aboriginal women are very likely to live in poverty and unsafe conditions [24]. Murdering of women is commonly done by a partner past or present to the victim[22]. It is done by someone who is intimidating her by making her feel less than[22]. In most cases men tend to be the suspects in these violent crimes, but women can play roles in the murder of other women[22]. Femicide is usually followed by an extensive period of an abusive relationship in the home or by someone they were previously seeing[22]. Sexual violence, stalking, harassment and threatening of her life are events that often lead to femicide[22]. In Canada, approximately every six days a women is murdered at the hands of her intimate partner[25]. In 2010 it was reported that over 80 women were killed by their current or ex-partners[23]. In Canada, women are three times more likely to be victims of a death crime than men[23]. Some femicide murders are considered to be "crime of passions" where the murder is not planned and happens in the spur of the moment due to anger[26]. This is usually caused by suspecting or finding out that their female partner is not being loyal in the relationship or that she is planning on leaving him[26]. This is second degree murder where as a premeditated killing is considered to be first degree murder[23]. More than half of the femicides that occur in Canada are planned ahead, but rarely is the perpetrator sentenced or charged appropriately for committing the act[23]. Women are at more risk of being killed for leaving their intimate relationships[23].

Works Cited

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  1. ^ a b c "CANADIAN WOMEN'S FOUNDATION - CanadaHelps". www.canadahelps.org. Retrieved 2016-10-29.
  2. ^ a b c "The Facts on Violence Against Women | BWSS". BWSS. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Benoit Shumka Phillips Kennedy Belle-Isle, Cecilia Leah Rachel Mary Clare Lynne (2015). "Issue Brief: Sexual Violence Against Women in Canada" (PDF): 6 – via Google Scholar. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ a b "Power and control". consented.ca. 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  5. ^ a b "The Facts About Violence Against Women | Canadianwomen.org". www.canadianwomen.org. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  6. ^ a b c Stoddart, Jennifer. "Women and the Law". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  7. ^ a b "Sexual Violence in Advertisements: Constructing Gender & Sexuality". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Our Rape Prone World". consented.ca. 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  9. ^ a b WAVAW.ca. "What is Rape Culture? | WAVAW | Women Against Violence Against Women". www.wavaw.ca. Retrieved 2016-12-06.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Ontario, Government Of (2015). "QUICK FACTS FOR PARENTS: Learning about Healthy Relationships and Consent" (PDF). HPEconsent. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  11. ^ "What is consent?". consented.ca. 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "Consent and Canadian law". consented.ca. 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa Ontario, Government of (19 November 2016). "Dispelling the myths about sexual assault". Ontario.ca. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  14. ^ a b c d "Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres - Common Myths About Sexual Assault". www.sexualassaultsupport.ca. Retrieved 2016-12-06.
  15. ^ a b "Stop Violence Against Women - The Effects of Woman Abuse". www.domesticviolenceinfo.ca. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  16. ^ a b c Directorate, Government of Canada, Status of Women Canada, Communications and Public Affairs. "Measuring Violence against Women: Statistical Trends - 2012 - Status of Women Canada". www.swc-cfc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2016-10-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b c d Analysis, Government of Canada, Health Canada, Health Policy Branch, Policy Planning and Priorities Directorate, Bureau of Women's Health and Gender. "ARCHIVED - Violence against Women". www.hc-sc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2016-10-29. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ a b c d e f Stroumboulopoulos, George (6 December 2013). "7 Sobering Stats About Violence Against Women In Canada". www.cbc.ca. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  19. ^ Goble, Gord (26 November 2013). "BurningBliss aims to change lives, one at a time". newspaper. Retrieved 5 December 2016 – via The Now.
  20. ^ "About". Trevor Fleming. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  21. ^ a b c d e Etherington Baker, Nicole Linda (July 2015). "Forms of Femicide". vawlearningnetwork.ca. Western University. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  22. ^ a b c d e f "Understanding and addressing violence against women: Femicide" (PDF). WHO_RHR. World Health Organization. 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  23. ^ a b c d e f "Femicide Fact Sheet" (PDF). ccmw.com. Canadian Council of Muslim Women. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  24. ^ a b Knowles, Kitty (23 August 2014). "Canada's 'femicide epidemic' brings calls for inquiry". newspaper. Retrieved 6 December 2016 – via independent.co.uk.
  25. ^ "Every 6 days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. Action is needed!". Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. 2015-10-16. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  26. ^ a b Dick, Caroline (2009). "A Tale of Two Cultures: Intimate Femicide, Cultural Defences and the Law of Provocation" (PDF). cpsa-acsp.ca. University Of Western Ontario. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
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