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November proclaimed locally as Woman Abuse Prevention Month

November 5, 2014   ·   0 Comments

The Town of Orangeville  declared November as Woman Abuse Prevention (WAPM) month Tuesday, in partnership with Family Transition Place (FTP) and the annual Wrapped In Courage purple scarf campaign. Having been recognized in Ontario since 1986, the month provides the opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women and its prevention.

“It is every woman’s fundamental right to live in safety and security in their homes and communities, free from the threat of violence,” said Councillor Gail Campbell at the proclamation. “Together with Family Transition Place, we believe that violence has no place in our homes, schools and community.”

Statistics released by the Ontario Women’s Directorate show that at least have of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. The statistics also show that on average, every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.

As part of WAPM, Family Transition place has launched a seven-week series of informational articles which highlight what individuals can do to make a change. The series will run hand-in-hand with the return of the annual Wrapped in Courage purple scarf campaign, which was created by the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH) to provide a way for Ontarians to show their support for abused women & children across the province.

“Woman abuse is not a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue and it affects us all,” said Stacey Tarrant, manager of Development & Community Relations at FTP in a press release. “Sixty-seven percent of the population knows someone who has experienced physical or sexual abuse.”

The purple scarves cost just $15, and are available at a number of locations throughout Orangeville.

“You can show your support for FTP and ending Woman abuse by purchasing, wearing and telling others about your purple scarf, what it means to you personally, and what it means to us all,” said Ms. Tarrant.

Last week, FTP released a list of five ways Orangeville and area residents can help to make a difference this November:

1) Lead by Example. Work to create a culture that rejects violence as a way to deal with problems. Speak up against messages that say violence or mistreating women is okay.

2) Get and wear your “Wrapped in Courage” purple scarf from a participating location to show your support for the many women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence. Tell others about your purple scarf, what it might mean to you personally, and what it means to us all.

3) Volunteer in youth programs. Become a mentor. Get involved in programs that teach young people to solve problems without violence. Get involved with programs that teach teens about healthy relationships, such as the programs that FTP facilitates.

4) Become an activist. Participate in anti-violence events like the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in December. Attend the vigil commemorating the Montreal Massacre and learn more about what you can do at these events. Tell your elected officials that you want them to support domestic violence services and prevention programs. Join a men’s group that supports ending violence against women.

5) Host a third-party event to raise funds such as a garage sale, food drive, golf tournament, bake sale, etc. so that shelters can support initiatives to end violence against women.

In Tuesday’s proclamation, Councillor Campbell added that for every 100,000 married, common-law and separated women in Ontario, there are 29 in shelters seeking an escape from violence. One in three Canadian women will also experience sexual assault in their adult life.

“I urge all citizens to recognize the ongoing commitment of individuals and organizations in our community whose tireless efforts help prevent abuse,” said Councillor Campbell. “Support the Wrapped in Courage purple scarf campaign for the month of November, leading up to the community vigil on December 5 at Family Transition Place.”

Purple scarves are available for purchase at Family Transition Place, Town Hall, Orangeville Public Libraries and Noah Brown Boutique.

For more information on Family Transition Place or Woman Abuse Prevention Month, visit www.familytransitionplace .ca.

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