Mr. Speaker, recently in downtown Toronto there have been 12 sexual assaults. That is 12 sexual assaults on women, and the women of Toronto are fighting back. One woman, Anni, gathered hundreds of people at Christie Pits to reclaim our space. Deb from Toronto Rape Crisis Centre brought together thousands of women to take back the night. Stephanie, Heather and Kasia organized “take back the block” parties to raise awareness. I want to thank all their efforts.
Together we have a message. A woman has the power to say no to sexual violence. Women have the power to dress and walk in any way we want and anywhere we want. A woman has the power to decide when and if she will have a child and does not need state control. A woman has the power to live without fear in her heart.
All of us must look out for each other and work together to stop men's violence against women. Let us start now.