Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is the last day of the Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Canada, and I recognize and pay tribute to all the victims of sexual violence. We must raise awareness of the devastating impacts sexual violence has on a person, their family, and their community.
Mr. Speaker, every day in the territory someone is the victim of sexual violence. Sexual violence is verbal harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and rape. The Northwest Territories has the second highest rate of sexual assault in Canada. This is 7.3 times higher than the national rate, Mr. Speaker. These are shocking numbers and are affecting all of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, women are three times more likely than men to be victims of sexual assault. In other words, women are being victimized at a much higher rates than men. This is genderbased violence happening here in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that extreme intoxication could be used as a defence in criminal cases of assault, including sexual assault, Mr. Speaker. This is appalling. It erodes the rights of victims of sexual violence; in particular, women, who are victimized at a much higher rate than men.
Mr. Speaker, many victims of sexual violence are already reluctant to come forward and report what happened. Many people have mistrust of the RCMP, legal systems, and legacy of colonization and residential schools where abuse was rampant. This affects Indigenous women, children, and those who identify with the LGBTQ2S+ community especially. The recent ruling makes it even more difficult to report with confidence that they will be taken serious or get any justice.
Mr. Speaker, the justice system was set up to hold people responsible for their actions. I stand with the survivors of sexual violence. I encourage all of my colleagues and residents of the Northwest Territories to support and advocate for survivors of sexual violence and to address genderbased violence as unacceptable. The safety, health, and wellbeing for all women, children, and those in the LGBTQ2S+ community, and all members of our communities, depends on it.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
