Mr. Speaker, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in particular Canadians are encouraged to discover methods to deal with violence in the daily lives of many. One of the many forms of violence against women that needs to be addressed is spousal assault.
Twenty years ago this topic was brought up in this very Chamber to the apparent amusement of some of the hon. members. As was the case in 1982, the numbers today are certainly no laughing matter. In the year 2000, female victims of reported spousal assault were in the majority. There were over 28,000 of them. That number could have been twice as much since only 37% of suspected cases of spousal assault are reported when a female victim is involved. Many more women live in silence and fear.
Last year 69 women were victims of spousal homicide. This number has significantly increased in just one year. That is slightly more than one woman being killed by her current or ex-spouse every week.
It is important that Canadians take these facts to heart. We can all make a difference in taking action against violence against women today and everyday.