Now is the time for B.C. to act better on gender-based violence

Canadian lawyer Kim Stanton conducted and authored a review of B.C.’s system concerning sexual and intimate partner violence.

In her report released in late June, she concluded that gender-based violence should be declared an epidemic in the province. The review underscored that the government can do much more to address this very alarming fact that many advocates and survivors have long understood. The findings highlighted in the document are distressing and eyeopening.

It found that more than one-third of British Columbian women and girls over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence, with nearly half having experienced violence from an intimate partner.

The vast majority of survivors don’t report the abuse they’ve endured, which is even more alarming. More than nine in 10 sexual assault survivors and eight in 10 partner violnece survivors do not report their cases to the police.

The reason for this silence stems from a lack of trust. Survivors frequently fear they won’t be protected by the legal system — or worse, they risk being exposed to further harms. 

Many even worry that they won’t be taken seriously or will have to relive their tragedy without any genuine help. Because of this, many survivors remain silent rather than engage in a process that may be as devastating and distressing as the actual violence.

The review calls for structural change in the justice system. It emphasizes how important it is for the legal system to pay attention to survivors, treat them with dignity, and take their experiences seriously.

The magnitude of this issue — and the fact that it is still not being seen like the emergency it is — is what surprises me the most. Every day, violence against women, girls, and people of all gender identities occurs in many communities, often in secret and with no repercussions. 

Despite this, those who are impacted are not adequately assisted on a systematic level. The failure to better act on this problem from the people in power and authorities conveys the message that this crisis can wait. However, it cannot — lives are being affected daily and meaningful and effective action should have occurred a long time ago. 

Because of these reasons, the review’s recommendations are important. They are a road map for significant transformation and not mere ideas.

Stanton’s review urges the province to appoint an independent commissioner on gender-based violence, hold institutions accountable, and ensure that real progress is being made. Her report also calls on the government to prioritize resources for prevention initiatives, such as public education, to help deal with the underlying causes of violence rather than merely its effects later seen in the legal system.

Equally important, the review calls for a better support system for survivors, including access to legal aid, housing, and counselling.

For real and effective change to take place, police, prosecutors, and frontline staff must receive appropriate, trauma-informed training to respond with care and empathy.

These are necessary recommendations, not unreasonable ones. Although declaring gender-based violence an epidemic won’t solve the issue overnight, it will recognize how serious the problem is and ensure that there are significant resources on finding a solution.

The provincial government has expressed that it will examine the suggestions and begin taking action. That’s a first step, but survivors have endured enough.

We require more than just words — we require accountability, action, and a dedication to long-term transformation. Was there anything the government could have done sooner? Of course. With this comprehensive report now released to the public, there is no need for further delay.

Hopefully, Stanton’s review will ultimately force the province to give gender-based violence the serious attention it needs.

It’s time for British Columbia to make a decision — not merely with statements, but with effective actions that truly have an impact. Nothing less is fair to survivors.