International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:

“Every day around the world, thousands of women and girls suffer physical and sexual violence. This is a pervasive issue that is found in every country, in every culture and in every economic class — even right here in Ontario, in our own communities.

In Canada, one out of every three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. Women also represent 83 per cent of victims of domestic violence. These women — our neighbours, our co-workers, our family and our friends — are entitled to dignity and safety…

Violence against women can take many forms. But it is always rooted in attitudes of discrimination and inequality, and it is always unacceptable.

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, people are speaking out to raise awareness of this systemic problem. And Ontario is doing its part.

Last week, we held our first-ever Summit on Sexual Violence and Harassment, bringing together hundreds of community leaders to share knowledge and explore solutions. At the summit, we launched a new ad to raise awareness of this issue and help people identify the many forms that sexual violence and harassment can take. And on October 27, we introduced legislation that, if passed, would provide more support to survivors and put the strength of the law behind our commitment to make our homes, schools, workplaces and communities safe from sexual violence and harassment.

This morning, I met with members of the Permanent Roundtable on Violence Against Women to thank them for their support, expertise and guidance, and to invite them to continue to work with us on an integrated approach to end violence against women.

As we prepare for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to change the deep-seated attitudes and behaviours that grow from misogyny and lead to domestic violence and sexual violence and harassment.

Our society has made great strides towards recognizing women’s rights and achieving gender equality. But there is much more to be done. By taking action to show that it’s never okay, we can put a stop to violence against women.”