Shine the Light on Woman Abuse, and Wrapped in Courage campaigns

The Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, and the Women’s Centre (Grey and Bruce) Inc. are launching for the third year, the “Shine the Light” on Woman Abuse awareness campaign in November to coincide with Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the Province of Ontario, along with the “Wrapped in Courage” provincial campaign.
 

Initiated in London, by the London Abused Women's Centre, the "Shine the Light" campaign has now spread across the province. Its goals are to raise awareness of woman abuse by turning the counties of Bruce and Grey purple for the month of November. This means we stand in solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but to the perpetrators of their abuse. The campaign will also raise the profile of the community agencies that can provide abused women with hope and help as they attempt to live their lives free from violence and abuse.
 

Everyone is encouraged to go purple.
 

Why purple? It is a symbol of courage, survival and honour and it has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse.
 

The public is urged to join the local women's shelters and decorate their business or home in purple balloons, streamers or any other purple supplies and help raise awareness. The entire month of November is awareness month; however, in conjunction with "Shine the Light" is the "Wrapped in Courage" campaign.

We need to show that we all want to Believe, Inspire, and Give to support women to live free from violence and abuse. By wearing a “Wrapped in Courage” scarf, we show the world we care and that we do support the ending of domestic violence and abuse. It will also inspire women and children to know they are not alone in their struggle to be free. Wear your scarf throughout the month of November. We look forward to everyone joining us in this important awareness campaign.
 

This year, there are two types of scarves. An infinity scarf and the standard scarf. Great gift ideas. Scarves are available from both The Women’s Centre and Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey and the distribution they have setup. Please contact the shelters to see where you can get yours!
 

For additional information, contact: Teresa Schnurr, manager of community development, the Women’s Centre (Grey and Bruce) Inc., at 519-376-0755, Ext. 103 info@thefwomenscentre.org www.thewomenscentre.org OR Lana Sanderson-Neeb, shelter manager, Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey, at 519-396-9814, Ext. 229 or whsbg.on.ca.