Zhaleh Afshar said, “it’s really quite amazing” how far Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (WIC) has come since 1977, when a small group of women started a crisis phone line for survivors of sexual assault in a tiny basement room in Guelph.
Speaking from the WIC’s new headquarters on Elizabeth Street in Guelph, Afshar said the move from the cramped quarters on Norwich Street could not have come at a better time.
This year crisis calls have almost reached the 10,000 mark – double the WIC’s regular annual call volume of about 5,000.
“The numbers are huge … It’s good that people are reaching out,” said Afshar, noting emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse is “extremely under-reported” in Guelph and Wellington County.
She explained the sudden increase in calls can likely be attributed to two factors: the economic downturn, which can lead to more domestic problems, and increased awareness of WIC services, which was likely aided by the move to a larger building.
“It’s such a big difference,” she said of the new location. “I’m very hopeful it will encourage people to reach out for help, even if it’s just over the phone … We’re trying to upgrade our offices in all areas to serve people better. I think that makes a big difference in the community.”
The new headquarters, formerly the office and warehouse of Reid’s Heritage Homes, now houses the WIC’s sexual assault centre, transitional and housing support program and administration offices.
It opened over a year ago, but much of it was under renovations until this fall and a few projects are still ongoing.
In addition to an increased and renewed presence in the community, Afshar said the new location will allow WIC to offer more workshops and groups, to train more volunteers and to complete larger educational and art projects involving school children.
“It makes a big difference,” she said. “We’re really here to give back to the community.”
She noted the holidays can be a very stressful time of year, but often women in crisis situations tend to put off dealing with problems until the new year.
“We’re anticipating things will be fairly busy in January and February,” she said.
By the numbers
WIC employs about 14 people at the new Guelph location, in addition to various volunteers, including students from the University of Guelph. Last year, WIC helped about 1,700 people through its various programs, with volunteers contributing over 8,000 hours in various capacities.
One of the most important services offered by WIC for Wellington County residents is the Rural Women’s Support Program, which has offices in Fergus, Erin, Palmerston, and Mount Forest.
Last year about 600 women used the program, which provides free support services, including individual and group counselling, to women at least 16 years of age who have experienced any type of abuse.
“That’s a lot of people,” Afshar said, noting the program has been around for about 25 years. The organization also partners with other non-profit organizations to offer the best possible service.
“We try to make as many community connections as possible,” said Afshar.
But even on its own, WIC is unique, Afshar said, because it offers several programs – transitional and housing support, sexual assault centre, the rural women’s group and the Marianne’s Place emergency shelter – all under one umbrella.
Remembering victims
On Dec. 6, about 200 people attended the WIC’s annual vigil at city hall to remember the 14 women killed during the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal.
That event has become representative of wider societal violence against women, which Afshar points out is ongoing despite the best efforts of groups like WIC.
In fact, at this year’s vigil, WIC presented placards in remembrance of 17 women from Ontario who were killed – or allegedly killed – by their spouse or partner this year. The list included Dayna Jamieson, of Guelph.
Financial needs
On March 27, WIC will host its annual dinner and auction fundraising event.
It receives some funding from the United Way, but WIC relies heavily on government funding as well as corporate and private donations.
For anyone interested in donating over the holidays, Afshar said WIC is in need of basic items such as socks, underwear, and toiletries. And the organization could also use monetary donations or even gift cards from local stores so women in crisis can do their shopping.
“We want to do whatever it takes to make them feel safer,” she said.
For more information or to donate online, visit the WIC website at gwwomenincrisis.org.
