The UVSS remembers the 14 women who were murdered on a university campus during the Montreal Massacre on Sunday, December 6, 1989.
December 6th has become a national day to remember the victims and survivors of the massacre, and has also evolved to address all forms of gender-based violence. This can include the types of violence used against murdered and missing Indigenous women, violence against people who challenge gender binaries, violence against sex workers, as well as other forms of violence that intersect with racialization, sex, gender, socio-economic status and ability.
We are taking this time to acknowledge violence against women and gender minorities, to stand in solidarity with those who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence and to recognize our commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence remains a persistent issue at post-secondary campuses across Canada. The UVSS is committed to supporting students who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence and advocating for change at a community, provincial and national level. We have student-led groups and resources on campus including the Anti-Violence Project, Gender Empowerment Centre and Let’s Get Consensual campaign who dedicate their time to ending gender-based violence. These resources are available to support students.
- The Anti-Violence Project hosts free workshops (including Understanding Consent Culture workshop, next workshop happening December 9), offers support hours in person or by phone/video, and has lots of helpful information on their website or in their lending library.
- The Gender Empowerment Centre has an abundance of information about community resources and supports, provides free safer sex and menstrual supplies, and also has a great lending library open to people of all genders.
On Monday, December 6, please join us in remembrance and solidarity at the following events on campus:
- UVic Walk to End Gender-Based Violence: Gather at 11:30am at the Petch Fountain, in front of the library, to begin with a territorial acknowledgement and guest speakers. Following the speakers there will be a silent walk to the Engineering and Computer Science Lab Wing where we will hear from speakers and have closing remarks.
- Student Walkout to End Gender-Based Violence (National Solidarity Walkabout): At 12:45pm, students will gather at the rainbow crosswalk outside the Student Union Building. Organizers are asking attendees to wear teal (or blue) to show solidarity, and to help spread the word on social media using the hashtag #SafeCampusWalkOut. This event is in solidarity with Students for Consent Culture Canada and Safe Campus Coalition who are organizing the national walkout. This group of UVic students is also coordinating a letter writing advocacy campaign to call upon the provincial government for increased supports – check out their social media for more info.
In community,
Your UVSS Board