A two-week awareness campaign was launched Wednesday on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
It was marked at Concordia University with a special exhibit concerning violence, along with an information campaign to inform people where they can obtain help if they need assistance.
In Quebec the campaign will come to an end on Dec. 6, which marks the 26th anniversary of Polytechnique Massacre.
On a global scale, the campaign will continue until Dec. 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Organizers say their goal is to draw a link between violence against women and the violation of human rights.
In Quebec particular attention will be paid to the allegations of abuse by Sureté du Quebec officers in Val d'Or.
Jennifer Brazeau, of the Quebec Native Women's group, said she hopes that some good can come from the evil acts that are claimed to have happened.
"It's brought a lot of visibility to the issues, so hopefully there will be continued follow up though on the issues and it's not just news coverage for a week," she said.
Last year the allegations of sexual assault against noted radio host Jian Ghomeshi convinced several women, including Montreal's Sue Montgomery, to launch the Been Raped, Never Reported movement, as a way to bring attention to the lack of seriousness often displayed by police department regarding complaints.
Brazeau and others said they want people to stop treating violence against women as a taboo subject, and said it cannot be stopped until society admits it is happening.
They also expressed hope that governments and the public will continue to address these issues even without being prompted by a single horrific event.
