Violence against women is an epidemic that has affected women in Canada. Researchers and individual women groups have unveiled the effects of violence against women in Canada for the many past years. The groups also show the types of gender violence that women have suffered for years at the hands of men and even women themselves. The kinds of violence subjected to the women are closely related to culture diversity, racism, poverty, drug abuse especially alcoholism among others. In addition to that, research has discovered that the violent incidences have been covered up in the community where most of them go unreported.
In various forums discussing the menace of violence against women, women got the platform to share their life experiences or discrimination. Most women highlight lack of safety in the community as violence targeting the female gender only. The culture of the community does not offer security for women, and they end up feeling unsafe from their intimate partners, law enforcement authorities, drug dealers, and their clients. The safety of women should be reinforced by having healthy personal relationships.
In addition, the research indicates that its only 6 out of 100 incidences of sexual assault are reported to the police. The rate of reported incidences is low because of the lack of trust in the local authorities. The victims of violence do not feel the safety of their secrets when reported to the authorities concerned. In addition to that, the victims might be reliant to the offenders for housing and income. For this reason, they consider survival only.
In addition, discrimination ranging from racism to culture is experienced. The research recommends the development of programs that connect all people in the community through education and employment. Poverty eradication can give women power to support themselves.
Indigenous Girls and the Canadian State
Since the colonial period in Canada, the world views, social structures, laws and the traditional native government has proved harmful to the indigenous girls and women in the country. The destructive systems run from territorial, federal, provincial, residential school system, healthcare, and even the education system. The effects are manifested through racism, capitalism and patriarchy against indigenous girls. The discrimination and marginalization of Aboriginal girls subject them to colonialism, sexual assault, and racism. The approaches, practices and the state policies and rules limit do not favor the indigenous girls just after birth.
The aboriginal girls become victims of violence not only from the outside, but also their own communities. The offenders target them because of gender, poverty, and their race. Additionally, they lack emotional and physical safety even at their homes where sex crimes are rated highly. Child sexual abuse is reportedly 75% to 80% for girls under the age of 8 years. Although the incidences are reported to the police, there is no response to save them from the abuse. There is no justice for whichever crimes against the indigenous girls.
Since the colonial period, the indigenous women graduating from high school has been lower compared to the non-indigenous students. Most of them get pregnant and take care of children, as a result, do not complete high school. The government must confront sexism that denies the indigenous women the right to access basic needs like education. In addition, the non-indigenous teachers should stop having the stereotypes that indigenous girls are stupid and have no abilities to learn.