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This month, we raise awareness about how women across the world continue to be subjected to violence: sexual assault, intimate partner violence, elder abuse and other forms of violence.
On Nov. 25 we celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which starts the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This international event, which links violence against women to human rights, concludes on December 10 with the International Human Rights Day. Also included in the 16 days are the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on November 29; World AIDS Day on December 1; and the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre on December 6 – when in 1989, 14 women were murdered because they were women.
In 2019, the theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”. Download the 16 Days of Activism Calendar.
Read or see the English part of the speech on gender-based violence presented by Rabila Attai, Violence Against Women counsellor and Healthy Families, Healthy Communities facilitator at Family Service Toronto. The speech was delivered March 8, 2019 to Afghan men and women in English and official Afghan languages at the International Women’s Day culturally-specific event organized in Toronto by Rabila Attai and the Daunesh Association.
The aim of Family Service Toronto’s Violence against Women (VAW) program is to promote non-violence and to work towards the eventual elimination of violence against women. Underpinning all our violence against women work are the philosophies of feminism and of intersectionality and are implemented within an anti-oppressive, trauma and violence informed approach. Read VAW Intersectional Feminist Statement
The Violence Against Women (VAW) Program assists women who have experienced abuse during the course of their lives. Abuse may have occurred in childhood, during a past relationship, or it may be an ongoing concern in a current relationship”and a woman may have escaped abuse recently, last year, or a long time ago.
Our counselling services for women who have experienced any type of abuse, are available in English, Tamil, Somali, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Dari and Pashto and to all women who live and/or work in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In the VAW program, although our primary focus is on the abuse women sustain from men with whom they are involved – or have been involved – in intimate relationship, we also provide services to women who have experienced abuse from other family members. Woman abuse spans a large range of possibilities and does not always end with a final incident of violence or abuse in a specific context. Even when the threat is gone, a woman who was victimized may spend years working through the effects of what she experienced. And multiple experiences may trigger earlier effects, causing deep tendrils of pain to infiltrate what appears to be a well-functioning exterior.
If you are in an abusive same-sex relationship, you may want to visit our David Kelly Services page
If you are a senior experiencing abuse please visit our Seniors and Caregivers Support Services page
We also provide counselling for women who have been labelled with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Please visit Women with Intellectual Disabilities page.
For more information, contact:
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Share a copy of this #OTW calendar to a friend, family member or co-worker
Wear orange today to raise awareness!
Share or create an #OTW post on a social media platform.
White Ribbon is a non-profit organization with a vision. It is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.
Did you know the White Ribbon movement started in Toronto in 1991?
The White Ribbon Campaign since then has spread to over 60 countries around the world!
White Ribbon engages men and boys in the prevention of gender-based violence by promoting equity and transforming social norms. They continue to challenge and support men and boys to foster the realization of their potential to be part of the solution in ending all forms of gender-based violence.
White Ribbon asks men to wear white ribbons as a sign of their pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
Visit www.whiteribbon.ca to learn more and support a future without gender-based violence!
Download or share the Early Warning Signs brochure or take the quiz (go to the quiz tab).
Watch a TED talk video on sexual abuse/rape. Here are some links:
Visit https://www.nfb.ca/channels/films-gender-based-violence/ for a collection of documentaries and short films on gender-based violence.
On World AIDS Day we celebrate and support global efforts to prevent new HIV infections, increase HIV awareness and knowledge, and support those living with HIV. We also honor women victims of war and gender-based violence who as a result were infected and are living with AIDS.
What is HIV/AIDS? What are the symptoms? How is AIDS transmitted?
Learn about AIDS and familiarize yourself with some common myths and facts about the disease to stop spread stigma.
https://www.hiv.gov/
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Read an article on how marginalized women are at higher risks of GBV.
Learn how women with intellectual disabilities, who are also survivors of violence and abuse, use empathy to heal each other in this short video created by two members of our Violence Against Women team!
Watch the short film: A Better Man
This film is a Toronto-based story of a woman reconciling with an old boyfriend who was also extremely abusive towards her for many years. Watch this beautiful, heart-touching video as it raises awareness of the existence of GBV within our city, but also allows a survivor of abuse to share her healing journey with the rest of Toronto.
https://www.nfb.ca/film/better_man/
Volunteer or donate to a local women’s centre or shelter of your choice!
Your free service or donation can help individuals living below the poverty line by providing some sort of comfort this holiday season. The weather is getting colder and the need for hats, mittens, boots and winter jackets continues to increase in our busy city. Get into the spirit of giving this winter and help fellow Torontonians that may be in need have a pleasant transition into the cold, snowy Canadian weather.
Today marks the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre (or Montreal Massacre) that took place in 1989. Fourteen women were murdered and an additional fourteen were injured from a tragic act of gender-based violence and misogyny.
In honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the University of Toronto will be holding a candlelight vigil named “Women Won’t Forget”, tonight located at Philosopher’s Walk at 6:00pm. The event is public, and everyone is encouraged to take part in the ceremony. For more information: https://www.womenwontforget.org/
Read some common gender-based violence myths:
Explore different ways you can incorporate self-care into your everyday life Examples: yoga, tai chi, expressive arts, music…
Read a real story about survivors of gender-based violence.
Kiana Hayeri is an Iranian documentary photographer who has interviewed some Afghan women who were victims of gender-based violence. Here is a heartwarming story of one of the survivors who is now a successful police office working towards creating a future without violence against women.
Shot #onassignment for @stern @ Afghanistan
“37-year-old Shamila was only 11 and on her way home from school when she was kidnapped by a group of Mujaheddin fighters in Kabul. She was then taken to Pakistan and forced to marry one of the fighters who was later killed. His family beat her with a stick until she gave in and married one of the cousins who later became a Talib. “He would bring home a suicide vest and hang it above my head, telling me that it was my turn to wear it the next day, I would beg him, kiss his hands and feet to spare me for the sake of the children we had together.” The scars and deformed bones on her body bear witness to mental and physical torture she endured in the 16 years she lived with her second husband, until she escaped with her 4 children. She joined the Afghan National Police (ANP) and often takes on domestic violence cases in her district. Her past and her job has put her life and her 4 children on the front line. With constant death threats coming from her Talib husband as well as people she has jailed, Shamila keeps a gun in the house at all the time.”
Shoebox project
The Shoebox Project is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and provide love, hope and support to those that need it the most. You can help make a difference this season by decorating and filling a shoebox with all sorts of goodies valued at approximately $50, which will be distributed around the city to various shelters – you can even write a little note inside! Drive dates run from December 1st – 15th. Make sure to visit www.shoeboxproject.com to learn which drop-off location is closest to you. Happy filling!
Programs:
Services:
Woman abuse is defined as the intent by a man to intimidate and control his female partner, either by threat or by physical force on her person, her children, her pets or her property. The purpose of abuse is to induce fear and gain control. Underlying all abuse is a power imbalance between offender and victim.
If you are in danger now call 911.
If you are in crisis now, please call one of the following lines:
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 416-863-0511
Distress Centre Line: 416-408-4357
Info & Resource Line: 211 – someone will direct you
FST-VAW Early Warning Signs quiz is a simple way for girls and women of all ages and abilities to determine if they are in an unhealthy or dangerous relationship. The content of the questions were informed by women who were in abusive relationship and what they said they experienced with their partners. Read or take the Early Warning Signs quiz, or download/print Early Warning Signs brochure.
To learn more about abuse please read VAW – Issues you may be facing
A weekly group meeting every Monday. Download flyer
Topics include:
Date & Time: Mondays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Group starts on Dec. 9, 2019
Location: 1527 Victoria Park Ave., 2nd Floor. The location is wheelchair accessible. Onsite parking available.
Registration: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Contact Adekemi: adekemiqu@familyservicetoronto.org or call 437-226-4478
A 10-week Narrative Therapy Group for women-identified survivors of trauma offered by Family Service Toronto – Violence Against Women Program
The group provides a supportive environment for women to examine how they make meaning from hardship in their lives.
In this group, you will have an opportunity to:
Date & Time: Jan 28 – Mar 31, 2020| Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: 1527 Victoria Park Ave., 2nd Floor. The location is wheelchair accessible. Onsite parking available.
Registration: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618
There will be a pre-group meeting with the facilitators.
Refreshments will be provided. Childcare subsidy and TTC tokens available if needed.
Download flyer
A new weekly group for women offered by Family Service Toronto – Violence Against Women program. Join us as we discuss the impact of abuse on us as mothers and parents.
Key topics that will be discussed are:
This is a safe and inclusive space for all women-identified parents.
Date & time: Spring 2020; dates to be announced
Location: Family Service Toronto, 128A Sterling Rd. Suite 202
Registration: 416.595.9618
Family Service Toronto – Violence Against Women Program is offering an 8-week self-compassion group for women-identified survivors of trauma. The group provides a supportive environment for women to cultivate a loving relationship with themselves, nurture resilience, and engage in creative self-expression. Download flyer
The Oct. 16 – Dec. 4, 2019 group is now closed
Location: Church St. (location is wheelchair accessible; no onsite parking)
Topics Include:
Refreshments will be provided.
Child Care subsidy and TTC tokens available if needed.
Registration is required.
For more information/registration call our Service Access Unit at: 415 595 9618
Violence Against Women – Issues you may be facing
The following community agencies and supports are available for women who need support or who would like to talk to someone anonymously about their situation. For more agencies that provide support, please go to 211Toronto or call the helplines listed below.
Police and Ambulance
Call 911
For non-emergency police matters call 416-808-2222
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Tel: 416-863-0511; TTY 416-364-8762
Hours: Monday – Sunday 24 hours: Service is provided in over 154 languages
Distress Centres 24 hours
Tel: 416-408-4357
Hours: Monday Sunday 24 Hours
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape
Tel: 416-597-8808; TTY 416-597-1214
Hours: Crisis Line Monday-Sunday 24 hours
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: Offers legal representation and professional counselling to women who have experienced violence.
Tel: 416-323-9149
Scarborough Women’s Centre: A women’s resource centre which provides information, education and support services to assist survivors of abuse.
Tel: 416-439-7111
YWCA Toronto: Provides an array of programs for women who are being abused, including a loan program, group programs, housing support and community events
Tel: 416-961-8100
Victim Services Program of Toronto: This agency provides crisis intervention, safety planning, and support immediately after an incident
Tel: 416-808-7066
Please use discretion when going to these sites; for your safety, make a plan to empty your browser.
Amnesty International: Activism revolving around putting a stop to violence against women around the world.
Canadian Domestic Violence and Abuse Agencies List: Global inventory of hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centres and women’s organizations
Dawn Ontario: Disabled Women’s Network Ontario
Health Canada: Violence Against Women: Information provided by Health Canada regarding Violence Against Women
Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women: Local community agency providing legal/safety information
The Canadian Women’s Foundation
White Ribbon Campaign: Men working to end men’s violence against women.