There have been more gender based murders so far in 2023 than in all of 2022.
Across Canada, 55 lives have been lost to gender based violence as of October 31, 2023.
Krystal Stukas of The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce pointed out the number of victims continues to increase.
"Which is really shocking. If you think about it, it's more than one a week for a year," she said. "So it's really an important thing to keep recognizing and spreading awareness about."
Stukas said the annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 is a way to raise awareness of this critical issue.
"The vigil is really just a place for the community to gather, reflect and become this call to action to fight gender based violence in the area and across the province and country," she added.
The vigil began to commemorate the 14 women who were murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique on December 6, 1989, in what has become known as the Montreal Massacre.
Starting at noon on Wednesday, December 6, members of the public are invited to gather at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market at 88 8th St E for a vigil that will mourn those we have lost and call for action to create safety for all.
"First and foremost it starts at home, talking about things with your friends and family, staying educated and up to date on what's happening in your local community, and really getting involved locally by attending these types of vigils," Stukas explained. "A lot of people like to host fundraisers on their own and really educate their local communities and their inner circles on what we can do to make things better for women when it comes to gender based violence."
She said the need for women's shelters and their services is more crucial than ever.
"Year after year, and especially after the COVID years, we continue to see women, children, and youth require our services, which has lead to expansion of the programs and the need for more funding and overall just growth for the Women's Center," Stukas continued. "I know a lot of our partner agencies like Women's House in Kincardine are experiencing the same thing as well."
The vigil will include Hand Drummers from the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, remarks by Elder, Shirley John, and students from Owen Sound District Secondary School, and a choir performing a piece dedicated to the 1989 victims. Flowers will be laid for those 14 women and for all women who continue to be impacted by violence and abuse.
Organizers encourage participants to dress for the weather, as the vigil will take place outdoors.
