Woman Abuse Prevention Month

This month, we raise awareness about the prevention of gender-based violence. We here at WRRC are taking part in several different events, but there’s lots going on around the province. If you’d like to get involved, please email info@wrrcsa.org. We would love to hear from you!

Starting on November 1st every year, we start to ramp up awareness about gender-based violence in a province-wide campaign. At WRRC, we see the effects of gender-based violence every single day. As a result, we’re more determined than ever to try and prevent it. The trauma that violence leaves behind is complex and incredibly hurtful, and it puts lives in danger.

The impact of gender-based violence is far reaching. Often, people who have dealt with trauma have intersecting challenges, including mental health, addition and poverty. Many times, women have to choose between living in poverty, and living in violence. In Middlesex, this problem is often compounded by a lack of safe, affordable housing.

Impact on Families

Often if there is violence in the home, children are witnesses. In this case, violence not only has a direct impact on women who are experiencing it first-hand, but the kids as well. At WRRC, we have a Children’s Program that helps kiddos deal with their own trauma. Often, children don’t have the tools or language to deal with the intense emotions they are feeling.

It’s not Just Physical

Many people know by now that physical violence isn’t the only type of abuse someone can experience. However, there seems to be a prevailing myth that “woman abuse” looks like a woman fleeing her home in the middle of the night to a secret place. Don’t get us wrong, this definitely still happens (and WRRC’s crisis shelter is there for those that need it). However, there is a broad spectrum of what abuse can look like. Everything from your partner scrolling through your phone, reading your texts, tracking your movements, calling you degrading names, putting you down, controlling your finances, and being jealous. All are forms of coercive and controlling behavior. To learn more about it, check out the education section of our website.

What happens in Middlesex County?

We know gender-based violence continues to be a major issue around the world, and Strathroy-Middlesex is no exception. At WRRC, we help support 200 women and families every year. In our Children’s program, 223 individuals received service. Our small community cupboard was visited 896 times. We also had 175 calls to our 24/7 crisis line. To be honest, these numbers are not dwindling. And behind every one of those numbers, there is a woman, a family, a child being impacted by Woman Abuse.

How Can I Help?

There are so many ways you can get involved with WRRC – this month especially. Here are a few that might interest you:

Volunteer with us: we have many opportunities that you might like! And if you don’t see anything that fits with your skills and passions, let us know. We will find a way to put that knowledge to work.
Wear a purple scarf to raise awareness: every year, WRRC participates in the province-wide Wrapped in Courage Campaign. We sell purple scarves to raise awareness and funds about gender-based violence. To buy a scarf, email info@wrrcsa.org.
Educate yourself: There are plenty of resources you can go to to learn more about Women Abuse Prevention Month and gender-based violence. Many women’s organizations have websites, blogs, and social media feeds that are super educational. We list a few of our favourites here. Have a suggestion for us to add to the list? Email info@wrrcsa.org.
Talk to your family and friends: After reading up on all the issues that relate to gender-based violence, what do you do with that information? Share it! (But only if you feel safe doing so. NEVER put yourself at risk). Too often, society has been afraid to talk about gender-based violence, and unfortunately, it has flourished in the shadows. The more we keep the conversation going, the easier it is for everyone to understand the issue.
Donate: WRRC relies on the generous support of our community. Every single dollar you give means that we can keep our doors open for women and children who are dealing with gender-based violence. We can’t thank you enough.

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