National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Every year on December 6, people across Canada take a moment to remember the 14 young women who were killed at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989 simply because they were women. It was an act of gender-based violence that shocked the country, and it’s the reason this date now stands as a day of remembrance and action.
Even though this happened decades ago, the issue is still very real today. Gender-based violence continues to affect women, girls, and gender-diverse people in every part of Canada. Many people who experience violence are harmed by someone they know—often a partner or family member. Women with disabilities, Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face even higher rates of abuse. These aren’t just numbers. These are people in our communities, workplaces, families, and sometimes the individuals we support.
December 6 isn’t meant to be a heavy history lesson. It’s a reminder that awareness still matters, and that each of us has a role in creating safer environments for the people around us.
Why this matters to Supported Lifestyles
At Supported Lifestyles, we work with adults who have developmental disabilities and complex needs. Many of the individuals we support have faced trauma, instability, or unsafe relationships at different points in their lives. Safety, dignity, and acceptance are the foundation of what we do.
This day lines up with our Code of Ethics:
- respecting people as they are
- protecting those who are vulnerable
- creating homes where safety isn’t just physical, but emotional and relational
Violence doesn’t always look dramatic. It can be subtle, slow-building, or hidden behind closed doors. By staying aware and being compassionate, we help prevent harm before it happens.
Simple ways to honour this day
You don’t need to attend a big event or make a grand statement. Small actions matter.
- Wear a white ribbon as a sign you stand against violence toward women.
- Take a quiet moment at some point in your day to think about those affected by gender-based violence.
- Listen without judgment when someone shares their experiences or concerns.
- Speak up when you hear comments or jokes that put women down.
- Check in on people who seem overwhelmed, isolated, or unsafe.
- Educate yourself—even a quick article or conversation can shift perspective.
Most importantly, look at how we treat each other every day. Kindness, respect, and patience go further than people realize.
For us at Supported Lifestyles, this day is a reminder of why our work matters. The individuals we support deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected. Our coworkers deserve the same. When we show up with compassion and take action when something feels off, we help build a safer community one step at a time.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s paying attention. It’s caring. It’s choosing to be someone who makes things better, not worse.
