Monday was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and also kicked off 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was first observed in 1981 by women’s rights activists. It has it’s roots in the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by the UN General Assembly in 1979.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that runs annually from November 25 to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), and has a different theme every year.

This year’s theme is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!” It has inspired people and businesses all around the world to bring awareness to various forms of gender based violence. Buildings and landmarks have been bathed in Orange light to help spread the message.

Here in Saskatchewan, there is a surprisingly large number of cases of gender based violence, with nearly 6,000 cases in the West Central Region in the last fiscal year.

Michelle Webber, the Executive Director of the West Central Crisis Centre, stated that finding a common source of this violence isn’t realistic.

“Pinpointing a specific root cause of violence against women and girls is very challenging. I think it’s safer to say that it’s a mix or it’s a blend of issues or pressures that are individualized to each situation.”

Webber explained that an important step in finding the source of violence is opening oneself up, and working through any issues they might have.

“We open up that conversation, and we usually hear quite a range of issues that are showcasing, and then are either meeting, or can be evaluated to be contributors to violence against women. Some of those are just simply individuals’ insecurities. Low self esteem, low self image of themselves. It can also be trauma impact, so those who have experienced trauma and crisis and maybe not having the right support around them.”

The West Central Crisis Centre has various response services, and is open 24 hours.