We have had a lot to think about these last two weeks, in Canada and elsewhere, as we have watched events unfold in the Jian Ghomeshi scandal. The issue of sexual violence against women is once again in the headlines, prompting important conversations about the prevalence of sexual violence in our communities and the ways in which we, as a society, are complicit in creating the conditions that stigmatize women and make it unsafe for them to come forward and report this crime.

It is time that we looked carefully at this crisis which exists in our communities and affects us all. Let’s hope that we seize this opportunity to create meaningful change in the politics and culture of sexual violence against women, and most of all, let’s not forget the survivors in all of this. As I argued in Friday’s Toronto Star, for them, healing begins with talking.

One Hour in Paris has been longlisted for the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, one of Canada’s largest nonfiction literary awards. I’m thrilled to be nominated, and it is a real privilege to be included in this group of talented and distinguished writers.