The Problem

Physical violence against women remains a pressing concern in Canada, demanding our immediate attention and concerted efforts for change. It is crucial that we confront this issue head-on and strive for a society where women can live without the constant fear of physical harm. At our organization, we are dedicated to raising awareness, empowering women, and fostering safer communities for all.

Statistics reveal a distressing reality: women face a significantly higher risk of experiencing physical violence, particularly in public spaces where they go about their day-to-day lives. Factors such as engaging in more evening activities outside the home contribute to an increased vulnerability to sexual assault[1]. It is essential that we address this issue comprehensively to ensure the safety and well-being of women in our communities.

Victims of physical violence often report negative perceptions of their neighborhoods, lower levels of trust in others, and reduced confidence in the police. They also express lower satisfaction with their personal safety and are less likely to feel safe in certain situations.[2] These findings highlight the urgent need to create environments where women feel secure and protected, free from the constant threat of violence.

In just one year in Canada, a staggering 427,000 women over the age of 15 reported being sexually assaulted. However, it is important to note that only about 10% of all sexual assaults are reported to the police, suggesting that the actual number is much higher.[3] These statistics emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive support services, prevention programs, and community initiatives to combat physical violence against women.

We firmly believe that every woman has the right to move freely, pursue her goals, and live a life free from the fear of violence. Our organization is dedicated to equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend themselves against physical harm. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to empower women, promote personal safety, and create a culture that rejects all forms of violence against women.

Join us in our mission to address the issue of physical violence against women in Canada. Together, we can build safer communities, foster respect and equality, and create a future where all women can live without the fear of harm or harassment.

More Statistics

  • Over 50% of Canadian women surveyed in one study had reported choosing not to go out at night, avoiding specific cities or areas, and/or changing routes and modes of transportation due to a fear of being harassed. [4]

  • Women face a fivefold higher likelihood of experiencing sexual assault compared to men. [5]

  • Approximately 4.7 million women, accounting for 30% of all women aged 15 and older, have reported at least one instance of sexual assault since the age of 15. In contrast, the same holds true for 8% of men. [6]

  • Women have a fivefold higher likelihood than men to be victims of self-reported sexual assault. [7]

  • The rate of sexual assault against Indigenous women is approximately three times higher than against non-Indigenous women. [8]

  • In just one year in Canada, 427,000 women over the age of 15 reported they had been sexually assaulted. Since only about 10% of all sexual assaults are reported to the police, the actual number is much higher. [9]

  • Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. [10]

  • 67% of Canadians know a woman who has experienced physical or sexual abuse. [11]

  • More than one in ten Canadian women say they have been stalked by someone in a way that made them fear for their life. [12]

  • Violence against women costs taxpayers and the government billions of dollars every year: Canadians collectively spend $7.4 billion to deal with the aftermath of spousal violence alone. [13]

  • Overall, sexual assault offenders were most often men, acting alone and under the age of 35. Just over half of victims knew the person who sexually assaulted them. [14]

  • A higher risk of sexual assault was noted among those who were women, young, Aboriginal, single, and homosexual or bisexual, and those who had poorer mental health. In addition, individuals who had certain experiences—childhood abuse and homelessness—and more evening activities outside the home also had a higher risk of sexual assault. [15]

  • Victims of sexual assault often had negative perceptions of their neighborhood, lower levels of trust in others and less confidence in the police, compared to those who were not sexually assaulted. They were also less satisfied with their personal safety from crime and less likely to feel safe in certain situations. [16]

Sources

[1] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm
[2] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm
[3] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence/
[4] https://canadianwomen.org/blog/street-harassment-isnt-a-compliment/
[5] Adam Cotter, Statistics Canada, 2021
[6] Stats Canada, 2019
[7] Stats Can, 2021
[8] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm
[9] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence
[10] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence
[11] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence
[12] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence
[13] https://ernestines.ca/learn-more/factsaboutviolence
[14] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm
[15] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm
[16] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14842-eng.htm