It’s every woman’s right to live in a safe and secure environment that is free from violence, whether it be her home, her community, her workplace or wherever she may go. This November we are reminded to take action on gender inequality in Ontario.

In a Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey (WHSBG) media release, November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and WHSBG, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH), is working hard to ensure Ontarians are educated, aware, and willing to help put an end to men’s violence against women. Since 1990, OAITH has tracked media reports of women murdered by men in Ontario. Now, 28 years later, we know of approximately 750 women who have been killed by a former or current male partner and other men closely known to them. As we prepare to release the numbers of women murdered in 2018, we all need to become involved in community-driven action to drive change.

“Violence Against Women shelters are working on the front lines of women’s inequality. The staggering rates of violence against women and children should be what sounds the alarm for people in our communities to understand we haven’t reached gender equality in Ontario,” said Marlene Ham, Executive Director, OAITH.

Now in its sixth year, OAITH’s Wrapped in Courage campaign invites all Ontarians to show their support by wearing a purple scarf to let women and their children know they are not standing alone. The courage of a woman alone is not enough. Women need the support and commitment of their community behind them in order to end violence against all women and children. No one should ever have to live in fear.

You can show your support of the initiative to end violence against women by speaking out about men’s violence against women in your homes, community and workplaces. Purchase a purple scarf from your local women’s shelter and wear it this winter. Every scarf and effort counts when it comes to the safety and well-being of Ontario’s women and children.

For more information, to show your support, or to find a list of participating shelters from where you can purchase a purple scarf, visit wrappedincourage.ca today.

For more information on the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, visit whsbg.on.ca.