It was 29 years ago when a man walked into the l'Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal and murdered 14 women. it spurred a movement known today as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

"While the Montreal massacre happened 29 years ago, we know violence against women continues," shared Christa Daku, Executive Director of Envision Counseling and Support Centre. 

"We commemorate this day every year as many other interpersonal violence and abuse agencies do throughout the province and nationally. This really was a significant call to action when it took place 29 years ago and we as an agency are still forging forwards in regards to women's equality and women's right in this area."

Daku added that by remembering this tragic day, we might be able to prevent a similar event.

"The more we discuss it, the more awareness we have, the more things will change."

And it's not just adults who are affected by violence and abuse. 

"The impact on the children often goes unseen. We're also trying to bring more awareness to this issue because the impact on children can really cause issues for them growing up in relation to what they think is a healthy and unhealthy relationship. And oftentimes, these types of behaviours are learned. Children aren't born knowing how to be abusive. If they grow up in an environment where abuse is taking place, they often take on a lot of those character traits."

Envision offers a variety of programs that can help both adults and children dealing with the effects of abuse. 

One of Envision's staff members will be in Wawota today sitting on a panel in regards to a movie dealing with interpersonal violence and abuse.