Sensational newspaper headlines about domestic violence in Alberta have run globally in the past two weeks. “40 Per Cent of Men in Alberta Poll Say Women ‘Put Themselves at Risk For Rape’.”  “Survey finds nearly 10% of Alberta men OK with assault‎.”

The telephone survey, conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS), polled 1,000 adult men in Alberta. They were asked for their views on violence against women, gender equity, perceptions of domestic violence, and the role men can play in reducing and preventing it.

Beyond the headlines mentioned above, some of the more disconcerting results found that over half of those polled agreed that “a woman can leave a violent relationship if she really wants to” and that a quarter of them feel that domestic violence should not be considered a criminal offense, in certain instances.

 Answers make it clear that more education is needed but also show a lot of progress. Of those 1,000 men:99% agree that men can make a difference in promoting respectful, non-violent relationships;

• 96% don’t believe it’s acceptable to hurt a woman who withholds sex;
• 95% feel concerned by violence against women and girls;
• 91% say they would intervene if they knew someone was in a violent relationship;
• and 56% say they are more aware of domestic violence issues than five years ago.

Asked about prevention, most men agreed that speaking out against violence begins in the home. Most understand their possible role as change agents, like educating  their sons and daughters about respectful and healthy relationships. They also see schools, celebrities, athletes and community leaders as playing a role in the messaging. 

The results were released last week in Calgary at ACWS’ annual “Breakfast with the Guys” fundraiser, designed to encourage men and boys to take a stand against domestic violence. The breakfast featured a panel of experts from government, law enforcement, business, sport and social advocacy. The panel agreed that awareness and education are critical. Many Alberta shelters, including Discovery House, are strategizing about how to do just that. We’d like to hear your feedback. Please post your comments on this BLOG, or join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook below!

Yesterday was International Women’s Day and EPCOR Centre was the place to be in Calgary. There were impressive displays throughout with passionate volunteers on hand providing information and materials on themes such as Family Violence, Employment and Skills Building, Health and Wellness, Leadership, Poverty and Global Women’s Issues.

The event was hosted by Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association in partnership with Alberta Health Services,  Discovery House, University of Calgary Women’s Resource Centre, the Women’s Centre, YMCA and YWCA Calgary.

A very special thanks goes to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Conoco Phillips Canada and United way of Calgary and Area for funding this extraordinary day.

The foyer of Jack Singer Concert Hall was filled with people who had come out to take in the displays, entertainment and learn more about the issues affecting women both locally and globally. Here is what some of the attendees had to say:

“I think it’s really great how many people have come out today. International Women’s Day is a day that has not gotten the recognition it deserves in Canada, and certainly around the world. And so I’m excited to see this happen in Calgary, and I hope this is just the beginning of bigger and better things to come.”

“I’m very happy to have brought my students here today because for some of them it is the first time they have had a chance to be exposed to a variety of information that is available to women. Some of them had no idea what to expect so this was a huge learning experience.”

 “My hope is that it will not be too long to see that women have total equal rights to men in every country and every society on the planet—and hopefully that is not too far away.”

March 8^th is recognized as International Women’s Day in 96 countries throughout the world.   This year more than 190 events were held across Canada. The first International Women’s Day took place in 1911, and in some nations it is now an official holiday.