letter to justin trudeau- feminism final

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University of Ottawa *

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Law

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Apr 26, 2024

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November 22, 2022 Justin Trudeau 24 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario Canada To Justin Trudeau: My name is Maya Forestell and I am a first-year student at the University of Ottawa. I am currently in my first semester and am enrolled in a course titled Feminism and Gender Studies. The purpose of this course is to broaden my understanding of feminism and gender studies, as well as topics related to violence against women. Violence against women, which regrettably is extremely prevalent in our society Since you, Mr. Trudeau currently have one of the most powerful voices in Canada, and therefore you would be the most ideal person to whom this letter should be addressed to because you will be able to implement the most change. Gender-based violence, commonly known as violence against women, refers to violent acts that are primarily committed against women. Women who experience this kind of assault are rendered helpless and submissive to men. The two main types of violence against women are physical assault and sexual assault. It should be noted that all women are subject to both types of assault. Unfortunately, gender- based violence is quite common in today's culture, and we need to put a stop to it. I hope I can persuade you to enact new legislation in contradiction to violence against women in Canada and can hopefully influence every country to do the same. This may seem like a large ask but with your help and the implementation of new legislation at the very least we will be able to provide a sense of safety and peace of mind to some women in Canada

2 1 Physical and sexual violence, such as rape, is one of the main types of violence against women that I believe should be examined and is still common today. Rape is a sexual assault that typically involves unwanted sexual contact or other sexual misconduct. Rape can occur to any gender, but it tends to happen more often to women. A guest speaker who presented in my class named Lindsay Ostridge provided our class with the key points of the sexual assault policies. She examined many helplines and even gave people the chance to speak about their experiences with sexual assault in my class. This lecture gave me a better understanding of how rape can happen to anyone at any time or any place. I find myself being extra careful, especially in a big city like Ottawa. According to Canadian Statistics, one in four males would commit rape if given the chance and to explain their actions, they claim that men are biologically expendable. Doe (2003), as cited in Hobbs & Rice, 2018) stated that women who are internationally recognized anti-rape writer stated how by abiding by a list of Don'ts, women can stop things from happening to them, like being raped. The "Don'ts" she includes are, "Do not go out alone. Do not go out alone at night. Do not go out alone or at night unless accompanied by someone (male). Do not open the windows. Do not open the doors. Lock the windows and doors. Do not talk to strangers (men). Do not assist strangers (men). Do not take shortcuts. Alternate your daily routine and routes to work or school. Do not take elevators by yourself (or with strange men). Monitor the motions of the men around you. Do not ride the bus alone. Do not get off the bus alone. Leave your lights on. Do not use underground parking. Do not park on the street. Walk in pairs. Walk on the road. Walk down the middle of the road. Carry a cell phone. Do not struggle. Do not resist. Do not fight back. Do not arm yourself. Eat grass. (Doe, 2004, p. 118- 128)". She then starts speaking on how every woman knows these things already

3 1 but how a lot of women are aware of these unwritten rules, but it is not spoken of enough in today's society. Mr. Trudeau, you have the power to speak out about this problem and ensure that society understands that women are outnumbered and sexually assaulted daily. I do not believe that women on a day-to-day basis should have to follow a "don't" list to stay safe when this is not a problem that would cross the mind of a man when living alone or walking at night. In Canada, Aboriginal women and girls experience prominent levels of violence for as long as I can remember. At an early age, I was taught about violence against women in school and there was often a heavy emphasis on the number of Aboriginal women and girls who experience sexual and physical violence. Numerous Indigenous women have experienced multiple traumatic events and various forms of violence throughout their lives. This can include abusive relationships, sexual abuse, family violence, and trauma brought on by colonial violence, including systemic racism and effects that were shown across generations. In the book Gender and Women Studies, there is a page titled "Snapshots & Soundwaves" (chapter 36). The Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action states (FAFIA), (as cited in Hobbs & Rice, 2018), explain that "Aboriginal women in Canada report rates of violence including domestic violence and sexual assault 3.5 times higher than non-Aboriginal women. Young Aboriginal women are five times more likely than other Canadian women of the same age to die of violence" (FAFIA, p. 555). I think that because of Canada's colonial past, Indigenous women and girls are now compelled to live in risky and unstable social and economic situations, which makes them more susceptible to various forms of abuse. Mr. Trudeau, it is sad and terrifying that the past is still being brought into society today. I am part Metis, and I am lucky as a girl in

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