International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Early Intervention Matters

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and to advocate for a future where every girl and woman lives free from harm. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we believe that education, empowerment, and mentorship are powerful tools to break cycles of violence and create lasting change.

 

Gender-Based Violence: Why Awareness Matters?

GBV is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Canada. According to Statistics Canada:

  • 44% of women who have been in an intimate relationship report experiencing psychological, physical, or sexual violence by a partner.
  • Nearly 1 in 3 women aged 15 and older have faced physical or sexual intimate partner violence.
  • Indigenous women experience rates nearly three times higher than non-Indigenous women.

These numbers are not just statistics, they represent lives impacted by fear, stigma, and systemic inequities. Ending GBV is not only a moral imperative but essential for equality and social progress.

 

GBV in Our Communities: What the Numbers Reveal?

In British Columbia, the numbers are equally alarming:

  • Nearly 48% of women report experiencing intimate partner violence since turning 15.
  • 94% of sexual assaults and 80% of intimate partner violence cases go unreported.

Cultural stigmas, language barriers, and systemic gaps often prevent survivors from seeking help. Prevention must start earlier: with education and empowerment for youth.

 

Empowering Girls Through Mentorship

At Big Sisters, we are committed to creating safe spaces where girls can learn about consent, respect, and healthy relationships. Our programs, My Voice, My Power and Go Girls, provide mentorship and leadership opportunities that help girls build confidence, resilience, and self-worth.

  • My Voice, My Power gives girls a platform to speak out, share experiences, and advocate for change. Through mentorship and leadership training, participants learn to amplify their voices and challenge harmful norms.
  • Go Girls focuses on fostering healthy relationships, self-esteem, and positive decision-making. By teaching consent, emotional regulation, and personal boundaries, we equip girls with tools to navigate challenges and stand against violence.

Empowered girls become empowered women, leaders who uplift their communities and inspire systemic change.

 

Why Early Intervention Matters?

With nearly one in two women in B.C. affected by intimate partner violence, early intervention through education and mentorship is vital. When girls gain confidence and awareness, they become advocates for themselves and want to see change in their communities.

 

Join Us in Taking Action

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our commitment: every voice matters, every action counts. Through programs like My Voice, My Power and Go Girls, we’re building a future where every girl grows up safe, strong, and free.

Stand with survivors. Educate youth. Advocate for stronger community supports. Together, we can transform fear into freedom, silence into solidarity, and oppression into empowerment.

Become a mentor today and help us create a lasting change:

For immediate help

 

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