The 2022 John Robinson Award & Shine the Light event was held on November 28th at a breakfast celebration at Highland Country Club. These awards are named after the late London Police Inspector John Robinson who was a strong anti-violence advocate and the driving force behind a mandatory charging policy for domestic violence. The awards, named for him, are given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to ending violence against women. This year the London Coordinating Committee to End Woman Abuse, recognized six exceptional women including:
Kristy Bell, from CMHA & My Sister’s Place, for her work in creating Holly’s House at the start of the pandemic to house vulnerable women seeking permanent housing. The rooms on a secure floor of a hotel have helped 140 women find permanent housing.
Jane McGregor, from Anova, for her work advocating for sexual assault survivors including work in partnership with London Police Services and OPP, to review sexual assault files, identify gaps in the justice system and promote change.
Dani Bartlett, from LiUNA Local 1059, for her long-time work as an advocate for women’s rights in the labour movement, and recently helping lead efforts for the instigation of a strategic pillar to make a safe city for women and girls as part of London’s strategic plan.
The Grandmothers Donna Sears, Rosemary Albert, Tish Antone, from Atlohsa Native Healing Services for their ground-breaking work founding the organization including the Zwaawanong women & children’s shelter. The Grandmothers recognized an essential need for family violence services for Indigenous men, women, and children. Coming from different communities, they worked together for the larger First Nation community. Three of the original Grandmothers – Pauline Doxtator, Bernice Ireland & Carol Trafford – have died, but their legacy continues in others who have stepped up to do the work.