GUELPH – Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis will showcase art and writing by local survivors of sexual violence on May 24 from 10am to 1:30pm at the red pavilion at Riverside Park.
May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month and sexual assault centres across Canada are hosting events to raise awareness about rising rates of sexual violence and to voice support for survivors.
In Ontario, there has been an 18 per cent increase in reported sexual assaults every year since 2016 – a huge increase given that just 6% of all sexual assaults in Canada are reported to police.
Calls to the Women in Crisis 24/7 Crisis Line increased 22.5% between 2022 and 2023, officials state.
The Guelph event, Celebrations of Survivor-ship, will feature an exhibit of local survivor art, poetry readings, gentle yoga sessions and a reading from Rachel Suhonos’ new memoir The Bees, as well as information tables and activities with local organizations that support people who have experienced sexual violence.
Head to the red pavilion or look for event signage when you get to Riverside Park.
The venue is accessible.
To learn more follow @gwwic on social media or visit gwwomenincrisis.org/events.
