National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women marks the anniversary of the tragic events of December 6, 1989, when 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique de Montréal in an appalling act of gender-based violence. On this national day of remembrance we honour their lives and recommit ourselves to preventing and addressing the ongoing impacts of gender-based and sexualized violence in all its forms. It’s a day for reflection, commemoration and renewed action.
Annually, UVic observes the anniversary on our last day of class, with classes cancelled briefly to provide time for all members of our community to attend the campus event, organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.
As a recently graduated engineering student at the time, I remember how profoundly this tragedy affected my classmates, the engineering profession, and the wider post-secondary community across Canada. It left a deep wound that has healed over time, yet its scar endures. This experience shaped my understanding of what it means to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
I invite each of us to reflect on and reaffirm our shared responsibility to end gender-based and sexualized violence. I also encourage you to learn more about ongoing resources, supports and opportunities for learning and action.
Get involved
2025 on-campus event
Please join us on Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. outside of the Engineering Lab Wing (ELW) to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This event is intended to allow us to grieve together, to learn about commitments by UVic and the Faculty of Engineering & Computer Science to work to eliminate gender-based violence, and to witness the lived experience of our speakers. Learn about this event
Other events/activities
Supports & resources
If you have personally been affected by gender-based violence, please know that there are resources and supports available for students and staff/faculty.
Student Wellness Centre
The Student Wellness Centre supports students’ mental, physical and spiritual health. You can make a same-day or pre-booked appointment or access 24/7 help by the phone.
Student Support Coordinator (SSC) Program
Student Support Coordinators work with students to identify resources and support options that help with academic and personal impacts of a challenging experience or circumstance.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
EFAP is an employer-paid benefit that provides faculty, staff and their family members with professional and confidential short-term counselling.
UVic groups & initiatives
Anti-Violence Project (AVP)
The Anti-Violence Project is committed to addressing and ending gender-based and sexualized violence on campus and beyond. As part of their many offerings, AVP offers a Men’s Circle intended to break down limiting, rigid and dominant views and expectations of masculinity.
Sexualized Violence Resource Office (SVRO)
At the Sexualized Violence Resource Office you can get information, advice, and support on preventing and responding to sexualized violence. The team provides non-judgemental support and helps you understand your options. You can book a confidential consultation or make an anonymous disclosure.
Let’s get consensual
Let’s get consensual is a student-led movement that raises awareness about how to practice consent so as to prevent sexualized violence.
Gender Empowerment Centre (GEM)
The Gender Empowerment Centre is an inclusive space, focused on the needs of self-identified women, non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming folks to organize, network, access resources, attend workshops and events, study and relax.
Become knowledgeable about UVic’s EDI related policies
UVic has several Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) related policies that staff, professors, and students must adhere to. Spend some time in self-reflection as you read on “Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Policy”, “Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Response Policy”, or many of the others