Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are among the most under-reported crimes.
During Woman Abuse Awareness Month, the Guelph-Wellington action committee on sexual assault and domestic violence reminds the community that everyone has a role to play in ending woman abuse. Since 2007, two women in Guelph have been killed in cases where a male partner has been charged with the crime.
In Canada, an average of 80 women are killed each year at the hands of former or current partners.
Committee members are participating in events all month to raise awareness about what the community can do to stop woman abuse and help those who are at risk.
They cite the following statistics:
– In 2008, Guelph Police received 1173 Domestic Abuse complaints;
– In the 2009 Vital Signs report, Guelph received a C grade in the violent crime category.
– Calls to the Women in Crisis’ crisis line nearly doubled in 2009, already surpassing the nearly 5,000 calls answered in 2008.
– The overwhelming majority of victims of spousal violence continue to be women. Eight in 10 victims of police-reported spousal violence are women, a pattern consistent across Canada.
– In Canada, 8 in 10 incidents of police-reported physical or sexual assaults against children and youth were perpetrated by someone they know – a friend, acquaintance or family member.
The Guelph-Wellington committee has members from 25 community partners (including the university, school boards, Humane Society, police and more), who signed a protocol to provide appropriate service to survivors of domestic and sexual violence (www.theactioncommittee.ca).
Woman Abuse Awareness Month launched on Nov. 9 at the University of Guelph’s Peace Week.
Events this month include:
– Public service announcements running through the month on Magic 106.1 to educate the public about where they can go for help if someone they know is experiencing abuse.
– Nov. 19, Women in Crisis presents on dating violence and abusive relationships at the White Tiger Conference for Girls held at the Best Western conference centre.
– Week of Nov. 23, grade 3 to 6 students at Edward Johnson School participate in Women in Crisis’ Dec. 6 project and White Ribbon campaign. Women in Crisis presents workshops and an art project to educate students about the 20th anniversary of the Dec. 6, 1989 Montreal massacre.
– Nov. 24, Women in Crisis open house. All are invited to to 38 Elizabeth Street, the newly renovated location of Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. It offers the following non-residential programs: The Sexual Assault Centre, The Transitional and Housing Support program, and the administrative offices.
– Nov. 25 at 7pm at Norfolk Street United Church, the committee marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with an Evening with Brian Vallee, author of The War on Women and My Life With Billy. Vallee will be screening a documentary, speaking about his work with women who have experienced violence and what everyone can do on the day to make communities safer. He will also be answering questions and signing books.
– Dec. 6, National Day of Action and Remembrance on Violence Against Women. Women in Crisis presents the 20th anniversary commemoration of the 1989 massacre at a vigil.
