Ending gendered violence is the focus of symposium at UNBC

UNBC is hosting a symposium on ending gendered violence in the north.

This conference featured speakers from Northern BC to address and discuss multiple forms of gendered violence, and brain storm how to make a change.

The first panel is on women’s experiences: violence, policies, programs. The second addressing vulnerabilities, preventing victimization. While the third is on working with men on violence.

Coordinator for Women’s studies, Jacqueline Holler is presenting research on hitchhiking and sexual violence in the north, and is hoping the government looks into an intersectional plan to combat the highway of tears.

“Decisions taken by other ministries, not just attorney generals, but all ministries should consider the problem of sexual violence in the north and how their policy decisions either contribute to it or actually start to combat it or break it down.”

Holler’s research is the first in-depth study of hitchhiking in Canada. She conducted in-person interviews and used tools to gain experience and insight from those who have made the journey through Northern BC. She was able to find a link between hitchhiking and sexual violence.

“We have extremely high rates of sexual violence. We have extremely far flung communities, particularly Indigenous communities, that lack infrastructure and services. When we put those two facts together, we are creating danger throughout the region.”

Holler says her key message she wants to get out is for people to start recognizing the north is different, and there needs to be continued work to help prevent sexual violence in these areas.