Breaking the silence

DVD “Nipaittuugumairtut. Breaking the Silence”, 2015.

This video is a prevention tool on family violence presenting the testimonies of four Inuit women from Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) who share their experiences and reflections on family violence. Having themselves suffered from or witnessed violence, they wish to break the silence. They want to provide other women with advice and hope in order to restore peace to their communities. This video can be used as a tool to prevent family violence in Inuit communities and elsewhere.

It is part of a broader project called Satulauqta! (Regain our well-being!) which has been developed by Saturviit and funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada under its Family Violence Prevention Program.

Any person or organization interested in organizing a prevention or healing activity on family violence may contact Saturviit and ask for a copy of the video. The video comes with an information booklet explaining what is abuse and what resources are available.

Saturviit’s Family Violence Manifesto

From August 1 to 4 2005, one representative from each Nunavik community met at a camp near Puvirnituq to discuss violence in their communities. These women adopted the present manifesto.

For too long now we have been witnessing the rise of violence and its impact on us, our children, and our society in general.

We can no longer watch from the sidelines as violent acts continue to permeate our society. We wish to break the walls of silence surrounding violence!

The future of Nunavik lies with our children. We wish to assert the right for our children to grow in peace and security, and only in this way will the cycle of violence be put to an end.

We, Inuit women of Nunavik, demand that violence directed against women and children must stop. Child sexual abuse is absolutely intolerable and must end. All types of violence, whether physical or psychological, against women and children must cease to occur.

If we continue to not act against violence, we and our children will continue to bear the scars, for inaction perpetuates the cycle of violence.

When a violent perpetrator is being forgiven, the forgiveness must not translate into immunity for abusers.

Authorities must act against violence and end the impunity.

The women of Nunavik demand social justice for their communities.

Our organizations – Nunavik local and regional authorities as well as the Federal and Provincial governments – must deal with the epidemic of violence.

All Nunavimmiut are invited to reflect on this manifesto, adopt it and act against the violence that affects our communities, so that our hearts, our souls and our lives may focus on creating a better life for all Nunavimmiut.