Gender-based violence is closer than many British Columbians realize, with nearly half of B.C. women experiencing some form of abuse. YWCA Metro Vancouver’s new “Close to Home” campaign brings this harsh reality to light with powerful visuals and advocacy. CEO Erin Seeley shares the urgent need for action and solutions. —Noa Nichol
What inspired the YWCA Metro Vancouver to launch the “Close to Home” campaign, and how do you hope it will impact public awareness about gender-based violence in BC?
One of the biggest reasons people don’t take action on gender-based violence is because it doesn’t feel close to them. It happens over there, but not where they are. We wanted to help get the public’s attention by showing how gender-based violence, unfortunately, happens everywhere. In fact, nearly half of BC women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of gender-based violence, according to Statistics Canada.
We hope this will impact the public’s awareness of the issue and lead to the government of BC declaring gender-based violence an epidemic.
Can you explain why it’s critical for the BC government to declare gender-based violence an epidemic and how such a declaration could lead to meaningful change?
Gender-based violence is a serious social, economic and public health crisis in BC and beyond. Starting with the BC government, declaring it an epidemic will raise public awareness, improve data collection and research, increase support for survivors and prevention efforts, and potentially lead to long-term behavioural and societal changes.
The campaign emphasizes the proximity of gender-based violence to our communities. How do you think visualizing the issue through ads in specific neighbourhoods will resonate with the public?
We hope it will raise eyebrows and lead to change. People often assume gender-based violence only happens in specific neighbourhoods, but the reality is that it’s an issue in every single neighbourhood in Vancouver and across the province.
We’re hopeful the neighbourhood-specific ads will help communities take ownership of the issue and lead to change.
What are your thoughts on the current BC Gender-Based Violence Action Plan, and what additional steps do you believe need to be taken to address this issue effectively?
The BC Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Action Plan, Safe and Supported, represents an important first step in addressing gender-based violence. However, to effectively confront this critical issue, a more comprehensive approach is required.
As a society, we must fully acknowledge the gravity of gender-based violence by declaring it an epidemic. This declaration would not only signal the urgency of the crisis but also mobilize additional resources and attention.
Enhanced data collection is essential to inform and evaluate our efforts. For instance, the last coroner’s review of intimate partner violence (IPV) deaths in BC was conducted in 2016. Regular and detailed reviews would provide valuable insights into trends, risks and areas needing intervention.
The government must also demonstrate clear, outward accountability for the steps it is taking through Safe and Supported and beyond. Transparent reporting on progress, outcomes, and future plans is critical to building trust and ensuring that meaningful action is being taken.
How can individuals and communities get involved in supporting the YWCA’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and push for systemic change in British Columbia?
In efforts to combat gender-based violence and push for systemic change in British Columbia, the YWCA urges everyone to add their voices to declare gender-based violence an epidemic by signing an open letter to the premier on ywcavan.org/hiddenepidemic.
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