Introduction
When considering the sociological phenomenon as it relates to violence
against Indigenous women in Canada, research suggests that there are
several key issues which are then compounded by an unresponsive policing
system. A prevalent issue in many cases of gender-based violence is the lack
of effective prosecution and conviction rates. This is particularly true in relation
to crimes against Indigenous women, where only a small percentage of cases
ever result in a charge, let alone a conviction. There needs to be more done to
ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for
their actions. Additionally, society and authorities must work towards
increasing awareness and prevention efforts to try and eradicate these crimes
from occurring in the first place. To fully understand the ongoing issue of
violence against women, it is crucial to unpack the workings of patriarchy and
how it intersects with other systems of oppression, such as racism and
colonialism. Patriarchy refers to the social structures and beliefs that reinforce
the idea of male dominance and perpetuate gender inequality. It is important
to recognize how these systemic inequalities lead to violence against women,
as well as how individuals can play a role in challenging and dismantling these
harmful systems. By actively working to dismantle patriarchy and other
oppressive systems, we can make progress toward creating a world where
violence against women is no longer rampant.
History
Indigenous women face unique challenges when it comes to gender-based
violence. These challenges stem from centuries of colonialism, which have led
to the displacement and marginalization of Indigenous communities, including
women. This, combined with systemic racism and gender inequality, has
resulted in a disproportionate amount of violence against Indigenous women.
According to a 2019 report by the Urban Indian Health Institute, in the United
States alone, the murder rate for Indigenous women is ten times the national
average. Violence against Indigenous women is a particularly troubling issue
that deserves attention. These women are disproportionately affected by
violence and are often overlooked and forgotten by the larger society.
According to a report by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada, these women are 12 times more
