Today, November 25th, is the International Day Against Violence Against Women and marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign launched in 1991 to raise awareness about gender-based violence, said a November 24th media release from Violence Prevention Grey Bruce (VPGB).
VPGB is marking the 16 days by releasing a series of articles between November 25th and International Human Rights Day on December 10th. Public vigils will be held December 6th to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
In Saugeen Shores, the vigil will be held at noon in Coulter Parkette. In Owen Sound, also at noon, the vigil will take place on the steps of City Hall.
“The 16 Days of Activism are important because they help to amplify the many intersecting issues that impact our communities and can lead to gender-based violence," said Jon Farmer, Supervisor of the Men’s Program and member of Violence Prevention Grey Bruce. “Between now and December 10th there are days for us to focus on conversations about violence against women, human rights, the people who defend human rights, our national history of violence against women, AIDS, the discrimination faced by people with disabilities, and all the many things we can do to make our communities and our world more just and safe for everyone. These many and complex issues are always with us but they are long term and can lose our collective attention. Campaigns like this are a great way to bring the attention back to issues that deserve it,” Farmer added.
If you or someone you know is impacted by or at risk of violence, you can contact local crisis lines for support.
Women’s House Serving Bruce Grey: 519-396-9814
The Women’s Centre: 519-371-1600
Kabaeshiwim: 519-797-3715
Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth: 1-866-376-9852
To access services for men, contact The Men's Program or the Partner Assault Response Program at 519-372-2720 or visit greybruce.cmha.ca/community-programs-services/the-mens-program.
For additional resources, visit the following links.
Women's Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#women
Children & Youth: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#youth
Men's Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#men
Indigenous Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#aboriginal
Elder Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#elder
Sexual Assault Services & Supports: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#sexual
Medical Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#medical
Legal & Court Support Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#legal
Social Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#social
Mental Health & Addiction Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#mental
Local & Regional Police Services: violencepreventiongreybruce.com/help/#emergency
For links to anti-human trafficking resource manuals for Grey Bruce, visit violencepreventiongreybruce.com/2021/05/new-grey-bruce-anti-human-trafficking-resource-manuals.