In many of the cases of violence against women on public transportation in Canada, the attackers have been men. Gender-based violence, particularly violence perpetrated by men against women, is a well-documented issue globally, and Canada is no exception. These assaults often reflect deeper societal issues such as misogyny, entitlement, and power imbalances, contributing to the targeted nature of these attacks.

For example, in the case of Marissa Sheppard, who was attacked on the Toronto subway, her assailant was a male stranger. Similarly, the attacker in the stabbing of Maya Patel in Vancouver was also a man. These patterns reflect broader trends in gender-based violence, where women are disproportionately targeted by male aggressors. The random nature of many of these attacks highlights the urgency of addressing not only public safety but also the underlying attitudes that contribute to violence against women.

Together we can lessen these attacks by allowing women (and vulnerable peoples) to carry non lethal self defence devices!