Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), supported by federal cabinet ministers and secretaries of state*, issued the following statement to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:
"The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-from November 25 to December 10- is a time to come together to challenge harmful norms, promote respect, and create a culture where everyone is safe, valued and free from violence.
Gender-based violence (GBV) leaves enduring consequences that can last for generations. It inflicts deep personal trauma on victims and survivors, and its effects ripple outward, impacting loved ones, neighbours, and entire communities. It also places demands on our health care, justice, and social support systems. It is a reminder of why strong, survivor-centred supports are so critical. Ending gender-based violence is more than a moral imperative. It is key to building a safer, healthier, and more equitable Canada for everyone.
Between 2018 and 2024, police reports of intimate partner violence (IPV) went up by 14%. In 2024, most victims of IPV were women and girls - they made up 78% of the total. That same year, 42% of women who were killed died at the hands of a spouse or intimate partner, an increase from 32% in 2023. Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by GBV: Indigenous women (61%) were more likely to experience some form of IPV in their lifetime compared with non-Indigenous women (44%).
These are not just statistics - I have heard first-hand people's stories of lives lost too soon, and victims and survivors carrying the weight of their experience every day. This heartbreaking reality is a call to action to protect our communities and our country. That includes strengthening the systems that prevent violence, believing victims and survivors, protecting women and ensuring their safety. Safe, resilient communities are the backbone of a strong Canada. No single sector or organization can do this work alone. Meaningful and coordinated action across all levels of government, communities, and partners is vital to driving the lasting change we need.
Guided by compassion, inclusivity and evidence, the federal government is taking action. We are supporting victims and survivors, advancing economic independence, and addressing the root causes of violence through policies and programs:
