Violence against women is the consequence of the social, economic and political oppression of women within the institutions of society. Institutional responses can include:
Gender bias in the legal system
Lack of accessible resources
Disbelief of abuse by professionals
Treatment of abuse as a medical illness
Racial bias among services
Inadequate educational and economic opportunities for women
Failure of the justice system to issue appropriate sentences which hold the perpetrator accountable
(Source: CAS/VAW Joint Training Participant Manual, 2000)
The regular meeting of the GBVPCC takes place at the Government Services Boardroom in Owen Sound.