2023 Snapshot

The LCCEWA launched their 2023 Snapshot this month via social media. The Southwest Region VAW Coordinating Committee (SWRCC) developed Snapshot in 2018 to help educate and engage the public and politicians in their home communities. Violence against women is not an isolated or individual problem. It is a complex social issue that impacts all citizens, and often for generations. Snapshot paints a bigger picture with statistics and stories of what is happening as a direct result of overlapping social and economic inequities.

In Ontario last year, 62 women and girls were killed by men who claimed to care for them. Every year we honour those who have lost their lives to femicide, and their families who are left mourning their loved ones.

On July 25th, 2023, the City of London officially declared intimate partner violence and femicide an epidemic. Lanark was the first municipality in Ontario to declare that killing women and girls is an epidemic. Currently there are 94 communities across the province that have followed suit. This follows from the June 28th, 2022, jury recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest into the deaths of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam. Formally declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic is only the first of the 86 recommendations.

Download the 2023 Snapshot here.

City of London declares Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic

On July 25th, 2023, The City of London officially declared intimate partner violence and femicide an epidemic.  Lanark was the first municipality in Ontario to declare that killing women and girls is an epidemic, with 46 communities following suit. 

This follows from the June 28th, 2022, jury recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest into the deaths of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam were presented. In total, 86 recommendations for change were made, speaking to oversight and accountability, system approaches, collaboration and communication, funding, education and training, measures addressing perpetrators of intimate partner violence, intervention, and safety.  Formally declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic is the first of the 86 recommendations that includes a range of actions including, among other things:

• Improving the monitoring of high-risk perpetrators of intimate partner violence & enforcing the law when conditions are breached.

• Listening to survivors and incorporating their input into the monitoring of abusers

• Educate and treat men who abuse before they are ever charged or enter the criminal justice system.

• Developing education programs for students in primary & secondary school about the signs of gender-based violence, including subtler non-physical forms of abuse known as coercive control

• Improving collaboration between corrections and probation staff when planning a perpetrator’s rehabilitation

• Reviewing the practice of mandatory charging & review of unintended consequences including fear by survivors that they may suffer more abuse if their partner suspects they’re responsible for charges.

• Advocacy for allowing police services to disclose information about a person’s history of intimate partner violence to new and future partners, like some other provinces in Canada.

• Establish a royal commission to review and recommend changes to the criminal justice system to make it more responsive and victim centric.

Femicide is the most extreme form of gender-based violence and is described as a woman being intentionally killed because she is a woman.  Many municipalities, including London, are lobbying for psychological abuse, also known as coercive control, as well as femicide to be added to the Criminal Code.

For more information on this topic, please visit the following links:

• https://www.buildingabiggerwave.org/actions/gbv-epidemic

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/renfrew-county-inquest-intimate-partner-violence-recommendations-1.6884919

• https://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/special-events/renfrew-county-inquest/index.html

Read City of London resolution.

LCCEWA & Middlesex Rural Alliance Process of Discovery

The LCCEWA & the Middlesex Rural Alliance, a collective of organizations working together to eradicate gender-based violence in rural Middlesex, have entered into a discovery process to determine if, and how, we might work together as a shared Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee.  Meeting collaboratively for the past 18 months, we are also now working closely with consultant Maria Sanchez-Keane, to explore our collective history, challenges, risks, and opportunities. 

At a day session in May, new and veteran members came together to reimagine the work of the Coordinating Committees within the rural/urban context as well as through a diversity, equity inclusion lens.  It was a productive discussion with the group exploring emerging trends, collective vision, priority areas, cautions & opportunities, potential structure, and how to ensure the needs of both urban and rural. 

A second day session is planned for September 19th, in which the larger group will work through the range of unification options working towards an implementation plan, including potential models & structure, decision-making, membership, among other things.  We are excited to continue this conversation and to consider how we can align our experiences to support enhanced community coordination & improved community response for survivors & perpetrators of violence against women and gender-based violence.

Please click here to read the full report.

2022 Snapshot

The LCCEWA launched their 2022 Snapshot this month with community members and local politicians in attendance.  The annual Snapshot helps us to tell the story about what’s happening on the ground in our community.  It helps connect the dots between social and systemic issues including violence against women, poverty, addictions & mental health issues, affordable housing & homelessness, among other things.  It offers us the opportunity to think together about how we can work together to support our most vulnerable citizens. 

The Snapshot is an effective tool for advocacy around ending violence against women informing politicians at all levels about the state of our communities.  Recently, Peggy Sattler, MPP for London West, recently shared the Snapshot at Queen’s Park and asked the government to include funding for gender-based violence organizations and services in this year’s budget. Through our combined efforts, we are able to accomplish what is impossible to do alone.

Download the 2022 Snapshot here. French version available here.

Read more about out Snapshot coverage from the London Free Press and CBC.

Watch this video of Peggy Sattler, MPP London West as she shared information about LCCEWA at Queen’s Park and asked the government to include funding for gender-based violence organizations and services in this year’s budget.

2022 John Robinson Awards

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.

LCCEWA Services during Covid-19 Pandemic

LCCEWA Covid-19 Services - April 7th

Across Languages

 *Continued interpretation available! If you know when you will need an interpreter - Email or call to set up time for a call.  Interpreter can confirm with your client about their availability in advance

*For emergencies or when you don’t know when you might need interpretation, you can set up on-demand services in over 180 languages, 24/7. Email or call at interpretation@acrosslanguages.org, 519-642-7247.

Anova

*Increased support on 24/7 crisis line – 519-642-3000

*Outreach including sexual assault counselling & family court support now delivered by phone

*Walk-in support to clients by phone or through intercom at Wellington & Clarke Road shelters.  They are not allowing non-essential visitors or clients into shelter who are not already there.  If you have questions call 519-642-3003

Atlohsa

Staff working remotely Mon-Fri, 10 am-3 pm.  The Zhaawanong Shelter for women, Supportive Housing & Resting Space remain open.  You can call, email, text or direct message through social media:

Phone – 519-438-0068

Email – admin@atlohsa.com

Text – Child & Youth (519-282-7896), Housing (519-281-7892), Indigenous Mental Wellness/Outreach (519-476-3783), Street Outreach (519-319-0584), Anti-Human Trafficking (519-318-0795), Cultural Justice (519-857-2353)

24/7 Crisis Line – 1-800-605-7477

Canadian Human Trafficking Helpline – 1-833-900-1010

Carrefour des Femmes

French speaking services offered only by phone.  Call 519-858-0954 or 1-888-858-0954, through WhatsApp at 226-448-6729 or by email at info@carrefourfemmes.on.ca.  If you need support after 5 pm call Fem-aid French-speaking support line at 1-877-336-2433

Centre for Research & Education on VAW & Children

Phone 519-661-4040 or email crevawc@uwo.ca

Changing Ways

All in-person counselling & groups are cancelled until further notice.  Staff are available by phone.  Call 519-438-9869 if you have questions or need support.  If connecting with your counsellor, please leave a detailed message and they will call you back asap.  Caring Dads facilitators can participate in weekly online meetings.

Children’s Aid Society

Core child protection services continue.  Office is closed and staff are working remotely.  Any questions or to report a child protection concern please call 519-455-9000 or email info@caslondon.on.ca.  If you have a concern after hours, please call 519-858-5998

City of London Housing

Only offering essential services. For any housing question please call 519-661-0861 or email hac@london.ca

CMHA

*All groups cancelled until further notice.  24/7 Reach Out crisis line – 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023.  Supportive listening line – 519-601-8055 or 1-844-360-8055. 

 *If you need access to mental health services call intake at 519-434-9191 x 2223 or email labs.intake@cmhamiddlesex,ca or fill out welcome form on website https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/intake-form/. 

*To refer a client for services please call number or email above.  Complete referral form on website https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/making-a-referral/.

*To reach staff at 534 Queens Ave phone 519-668-0624 (M-F). 

*To reach staff at 648 Huron Street phone 519-434-9191. 

 My Sister’s Place open M-F 11 am-1 pm, 4-5:30 pm, and on weekends 11 am-1 pm.  They are offering bagged lunches, harm reduction items and basic needs. Donations accepted by phoning 519-679-9570 x 5000 between 11 am-1 pm or 4-5:30 pm. 

Crown Attorney

Court cases to be rescheduled

Daya Counselling

Counselling is now being offered by phone.  If you are presently receiving service, your counsellor should have called to make arrangements.  Daya can be reached at 519-434-0077 or by emailing info@dayacounselling.on.ca

Family Service Thames Valley

Counselling only by phone.  To request service please call 519-433-0183 (M-F, 10am-3pm).  Walk-in clinic & groups cancelled.  For Passport services please contact your support worker at 519-433-0183.

John Howard Society

Remote services are available.For questions or to access services please call 519-438-4168 or by emailing jhslondon@execulink.com

London Abused Women’s Centre

All in-office appointments, groups, childcare and drop-in services are cancelled.  LAWC has moved to phone counselling.  To schedule an appointment please call 519-432-2204 (M-F).  For crisis support please call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511, TTY at 1-866-863-7868, or text #SAFE (#7233) on your mobile device.

London Police Service

Police headquarters are closed to the public. In emergency call 911.  For non-emergency please call 519-661-5670.  To report Covid-19 order violations please call 519-661-4660 (M-F) or email COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca.

Merrymount Children’s Centre

*Offering phone & email support.  Group leads are posting resources to Merrymount Facebook page, and to FB pages for All Kids Belong & Early ON Family Centre Argyle.  To book an intake please message through the website or Facebook page.  They are doing intakes but can’t book services at this time.

* Supervised Access is modified.  Staff can facilitate sharing of messages or pictures to the other party (if appropriate).  Both parents must consent.  They are working with the Ministry to be able to offer virtual visits and will re-evaluate the status of being able to offer this service at the end of April.  Elgin & Oxford locations operating in the same way.  If you or someone you love is experiencing a family crisis, please call 519-434-6848.  For family resources please visit - https://www.merrymount.on.ca/covid-19-resources/

Middlesex London Health Unit

*Office is closed to public. Information on Covid-19 in London & Middlesex & self-assessment please visit - https://www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or call the Covid Hotline at 519-663-5317 or email covid@mlhu.on.ca. 

*The Healthy Babies Healthy Children program will continue through phone or video, in addition to the Nurse Family Partnership Program. For any questions please call 519-663-5317.

Muslim Resource Centre

The office is closed to non-essential people.  For assistance please call 519-672-6000 x 309 or email admin@mrcssi.com.

Ontario Provincial Police

All locations have restricted access to the public.  For emergencies call 911.  For non-emergency inquiries please phone: 519-681-0300 (London Middlesex), 519-287-2620 (Middlesex Glencoe), or 519-227-4423 (Middlesex Lucan)

Regional Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre

*Centre is still operational 24/7 with a nurse in-house.  They have created protocols to protect both patients and staff but will see ALL patients whether they have tested positive for COVID or not.  They are doing most services over the phone. 

*If forensic evidence collection for a sexual assault or domestic violence is needed, a person will still need to come to the hospital to have the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit completed if that is how they would like to proceed. 

*Any questions please call the Centre (Mon-Fri, 8 am-4 pm) 519-646-6100 x 6100.  After hours please call 519-646-6100, press 0 and ask for the nurse on call for sexual assault & domestic violence.

Reseau-Femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario

For help please call Reseau-Femmes at 1-888-946-3029 or Fem Aid French-speaking crisis line at 1-877-336-2433.

Southwestern Ontario Military Family Resource Centre

Please call 519-660-5366 or email Brenda.willsie@forces.gc.ca to reach London office. For emergencies please call 1-800-268-7708 or TTY 1-800-567-4546.  Or call the Family Information Line at 1-800-866-4546.

Street Level Women at Risk

*Still operating 24/7.  Housing stability workers maintaining daily contact via phone or Facebook messengers & will complete drop-offs of essential items.  Information including screening for sex workers, transportation to urgent medical appointments & hospital still operating.  Will attend community meetings & appointments for mental health support via Zoom.  Are doing safety planning for existing clients & maintaining contact with new intakes. 

*Staff re-allocated to the Isolation Space; the motel obtained by the City for homeless individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19.  They are maintaining on call support during evenings and weekends & and overnights at isolation space and monitoring space. 

*Please call 519-518-2438 x 202 or email cnolan@slwar.ca.  For homeless prevention please call 519-661-2489 x 1852 or email homelessprevention@london.ca

 Thames Valley District School Board

Schools closed indefinitely. TVDSB has shared mental health resources for parents, students and educators, and information on online learning. Please see the following link for more information - https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/index.aspx

Unifor

Local 27 is available by calling 519-455-3430 or by emailing info@local27.ca.  Information on the Covid 19 campaign available at the following link - https://www.unifor.org/sites/default/files/documents/document/coronavirus_1.pdf

United Way Elgin Middlesex

They are part of a task force working with community partners to adapt and respond to Covid-19.  Local agencies supporting vulnerable people are looking for specific items.  More information, supports, and list of needed items is available at the following link -  http://unitedwayem.ca/covid-19/

Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness

All face-to-face meetings are cancelled.  For families already receiving service they will be contacted to set up phone & video service.  Talk-In, PAIRs & InSite clinics are cancelled.  To schedule a session or if you need help immediately please call the Crisis & Intake Team at 519-433-0334.

Victim Witness Assistance Program

All staff working remotely.  24/7 emergency line still operating. Caseworkers will follow up on all calls.  Temporary phone # during the pandemic is 226-678-4631.  Crisis responders only providing support by phone.

Western University

In-person classes cancelled,and many have moved online.  For information on the Student Relief Fund please visit https://www.westernconnect.ca/site/SPageNavigator/StudentReliefFundLanding.html

Men's Services & Supports

24/7 Crisis Lines

§  Provincial Crisis Line - for immediate crisis and referral services at 1-866-887-0015.

§  Anova Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Crisis & Support Line - 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576

§  Reach Out Crisis Line for Mental Health & Addiction - 519-433-2023; 1-866-933-2023 

24/7 Walk-In Crisis Centre

§  Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Centre - https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/programs-services/mental-health-and-addictions-crisis-centre/ (648 Huron Street, London, 519-434-9191)

 Individual & Group Counselling for Male Victims of Sexual Assault/Trauma

§  Daya Counselling Centre - www.dayacounselling.on.ca (333 Dufferin Ave, London, 519-434-0077)

§  Family Service Thames Valley - www.familyservicethamesvalley.com (125 Woodward Ave, London, 519-433-0183)

Mental Health Walk-In Clinics

§  FSTV - Tuesdays, 12 - 6 pm, Family Service Thames Valley, 125 Woodward Ave, London

§  INsite - Thursdays, 12-6 pm, White Oaks Family Centre, 556 Bradley Ave, London

Drop-In Sexual Abuse Support Groups

§  Opening the Circle - http://www.openingthecircle.ca/ (1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6-8 pm, Anova, Goodwill Industries Building, 255 Horton Street, Suite 5, 3rd Floor)

Online Discussion Forums & Chats

§  Male Survivor - https://malesurvivor.org/healing-conversations/

§  Online Support Group - https://supportgroup.1in6.org/

Sexual Assault Treatment, Counselling & Forensic Evidence Collection

§  Regional Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (St. Joseph’s Healthcare, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, 519- 646-6100, ext. 0)

Sexual Assault Residential Treatment Centre

§  Paths of Courage Healing & Retreat Centre - https://www.pathsofcourage.com/ (Quinte area)

Intervention & Counselling for Men Who Are Abusive in Relationship

§  Changing Ways - www.changingways.on.ca (825 Bradley Ave, London, 519-438-9869)

Crisis Intervention & Counselling for Men in – or at Risk of Being in– Conflict With the Law

§  John Howard Society of London & Area - https://johnhoward.on.ca/london/contact/ (601 Queens Ave, London, 519-438-4168)

For Muslim Men

§  Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support & Integration - www.mrcssi.com (111 Waterloo Street, Suite 101, London, 519-672-6000)

For Indigenous Men

§  At^lohsa Native Family Healing Services - www.atlohsa.com (343 Richmond Street, London, 519-438-0068).  Kizhaay Anishnaabe Niin (I am a kind man) Men’s Circle meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 5pm at 343 Richmond Street.

§  N’Amerind Friendship Centre - www.namerind.on.ca (260 Colborne Street, London, 519-672-0131)

§  Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre - www.soahac.on.ca (425-427 William Street, London, 519-672-4079)

Private Psychotherapists Specializing in Counselling Men

§  Darryl DeRoches - https://www.southernontariocounsellingservices.com/sample-page/our-therapists/darryl-deroches-ba-msw-rsw/ (15 Saint Catherine Street, Lower Level, St Thomas, 226-774-1789)

§  Jennifer Holt - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/mens-issues/on/london/461022?sid=5e7bb109e6525&ref=5&tr=ResultsRow, Unit 2-224 Riverside Drive, London, 519-319-9491)

§  Tim Kelly - https://www.southernontariocounsellingservices.com/sample-page/our-therapists/tim-kelly-ba-msw-rsw/, 15 Saint Catherine Street, Lower Level, St. Thomas, 226-240-4236)

§  Len Kushnier - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/len-kushnier-4bb54075 (519-200-5700)

§  Russell Stag - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/russell-stagg-london-on/213759, 476 Oxford Street E, London, 226-641-6665)

Statement of Acknowledgment Workshop

As part of our strategic priorities and our committee’s commitment to reconciliation, the LCCEWA hosted a workshop on February 13th to learn how to write a meaningful Indigenous statement of acknowledgment.  Following from the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2091412-trc-calls-to-action.html), like many other groups in Canada who are trying to implement the principles of reconciliation with Indigenous nations, a land acknowledgment is often the first step. 

The workshop delved into the problematic nature of land acknowledgments and informed participants on the steps needed including critical questions to ask, fact finding and sources, and suggestions for writing something meaningful.

The event was opened and closed by Indigenous Elder Tracey Whiteye.  The workshop – The Trouble with Land Acknowledgments & Why We Should Write Them Anyway - was hosted by Denise Hampden, Regional Education Officer for Public Service Alliance of Canada, the Executive Director of the Handkerchief Project to End Violence Against Women and Girls and a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.  The workshop is a direct extension of anti-bigotry, anti-colonialist, pro-feminist, and climate justice work that she has been doing in her union and community.

Handkerchief Project Revisited 2020

On December 6th, 1989, people across Canada were shaken to their core by events at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. On that bitterly cold day 30 years ago 14 of our sisters, mothers, and daughters were separated from the men in the room and murdered.  Since then, many of us have asked the question what’s next?

As we look back on the 30th anniversary of that fateful day, we must ask ourselves what role we can play in combatting violence against women in our society.  We can in two ways by:

1.      Talking about it;

2.      Doing what we can to end it.

The HANDKERCHIEF PROJECT was launched on International Women’s Day in 2009 to collect stories and commemorate women and girls who had experienced violence.  Women shared their hopes, fears, pain, sorrow, anger, but also their resilience and hope.  The stories came from Canada and around the world and were transcribed on pieces of fabric and displayed in many communities. 

2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the London Coordinating Committee to End Woman Abuse.  As part of our commitment to prevention and advocacy to end violence against women, we are building on the Handkerchief Project and collecting stories from community members. 

As with the original project, we are seeking stories from women who have experienced violence and found their way through. 

But this time we are also inviting stories from men.  We know that many boys experience psychological and sometimes physical trauma by being exposed to domestic violence as children.  As a result, they may also grow up to use violence in their own intimate relationships.  We invite stories from men about their experiences of violence, as well as their commitment to change their attitudes and behaviour.

Please send us a handkerchief, scarf, bandana or any brightly coloured piece of fabric to commemorate a person who has lived with or experienced violence.

More importantly, we want to hear your stories. If you’re not able to send us a fabric piece, we ask that you send us a note to recount your memories, feelings, truths or a message of some kind.  We will inscribe them on fabric for you.

Denise Hampden, founder of the original Handkerchief project, expressed the power and impact of the original stories:

They trusted me with their thoughts, and with the expectation that - when joined with others -their voice would no longer be the lone one shouting in the wind.  Every time the handkerchiefs were displayed, and the wind blew through them, they carried messages of pain, suffering sorrow and anger.  And often messages of great love.

Stories can include your name or be anonymous – please specify in your email.  Stories & handkerchiefs will be posted to our website at www.lccewa.ca, as well as displayed at our November 2020 Conference & Gala.

For questions or to submit a story please email Avril Flanigan at avril_flanigan@sympatico.ca

2019 Snapshot

Measure the success and strength of our community by the health and wellbeing of all citizens 

In Ontario, 37 women were killed by men in their lives in 20191 including in London.  Our community also struggles with a tenacious opioid crisis, unaffordable housing, inequities for Indigenous people, as well as burgeoning mental health issues.  These all put pressure on individual agencies, and the system as a whole.   

 At the recent 2020 Launch, the LCCEWA released our 2nd Annual Snapshot to continue a dialogue in London.  We are working to connect the dots between social and systemic issues that include violence against women, inequality, rising poverty, mental health, addictions, engaging men, human trafficking, affordable housing and employment.   

 Developed by the Southwest Region VAW Coordinating Committee (SWRCC) as an 'action-in-a-box' regional strategy to engage and inform government about the state of our communities. The goal was to build a bigger wave of public attention to the epidemic of femicide and violence against women and children.  

 The Snapshot helps to measure our success as a City by telling the stories and highlighting the numbers of people who are struggling to survive in the current system.   

 Understanding and addressing the complexity of social issues is essential for prevention, informed policies, and prioritizing support for families.  It’s important for municipal, provincial and federal leaders to better understand that violence committed against women is not just an issue that happens between people, it is a bi-partisan societal issue that has high individual, social and economic costs.    

 London is a city with great strengths.  Solutions to our most pressing problems require the engagement and support of the whole community. We are using the Snapshot to tell the story of what is happening on the ground and to think together about what it takes to be successful as a community.  

 See the 2019 Snapshot.

Celebrating 40 Years of Collaboration

The London Coordinating Committee on Family Violence (now LCCEWA) was founded in 1980 as an advisory committee to address the concerns raised by a research study on abused women who had called the police and raised concern about the lack of support from the police for themselves, the abuser and the children.

2020 marks the 40th anniversary of collaboration, leadership and actions that achieve social justice for women, and an integrated response to abused women and their children.

Throughout 2020 we will host a range of community events that:

• Celebrate & highlight 40 years of community collaboration & successes

• Raise the profile of LCCEWA community organizations

• Raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual violence & human trafficking

Join us for our conference & gala on November 20th at the Four Points Sheraton.

We’re thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker for the conference - Resistance, Resiliency & Reconciliation – is Senator Murray Sinclair who served the justice system in Manitoba for over 25 years. He was the first Aboriginal Judge in Manitoba, was Chief Commissioner of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, and was appointed to the Senate in 2016. 

We’ll end the day with our celebratory gala featuring Sarah Smith and her all-woman band the Sheatles.

Stay tuned for more details and join us in celebrating with us in 2020.

The Every Woman Treaty - Update

(Please scroll down for information on the Every Woman Treaty)

Update - Release of Safer Sooner Report
1,700 leaders. 843 organizations. 128 countries.
It's time to level the law for survivors worldwide.

On February 20, 2020, the Every Woman Institute released its first-ever Safer Sooner Report<https://everywoman.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Safer-Sooner-Report-FInal.pdf>. The Safer Sooner Report identifies gaps under current international systems in addressing and preventing violence against women and girls, and maps out a path to a world where every woman can claim her right to live free from violence.

This report reflects over six years of research and dialogue with 1,700 leaders and 843 organizations from 128 countries. These experts, organizations, and community leaders all came to the consensus that the Every Woman Treaty<http://www.everywoman.org/>, a standalone treaty to end, and prevent, violence against women and girls, is the best next step.

_______________________

Globally at least 1 in 5 women are raped, beaten or assaulted in their lifetime.  That’s 35% of all women or 1.3 billion women worldwide.

Violence against women and girls is a global pervasive human rights violation.   The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

According to the Copenhagen Consensus Center, the cost of violence against women is estimated at a staggering 5.5 percent of the global economy or 4.7 trillion dollars per year. 

The 1993 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and the General Recommendations to the 1979 women’s equality treaty (the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, or CEDAW), surfaced the issue and a global conversation began. 

A working group and global experts on violence against women and girls and gender equality in 128 countries studied recommendations from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and academic research on how to solve the problem of violence against women and girls and concluded that a treaty has the power to address an issue of this magnitude.

Lead by a global steering committee of core advocates, along with a coalition of more than 1,700 women’s rights activists including 840 organizations in 128 nations, the Every Woman Treaty was born. The global treaty to end violence against women will mandate that nations enact interventions proven to lower rates of violence.  This includes:

• Legal – Laws that increase mortality rates for women

• Training & accountability – For police, judges, nurses, doctors and professionals, which lead to increased prosecution of perpetrators and better treatment for survivors

• Violence prevention education – To shift boys’ and men’s attitudes and actions and encourage women and girls to demand their rights.

• Services for survivors – Ensuring survivors receive treatment & protection and other ways of seeking justice

• Funding – Treaties often catalyze funding and the Every Woman Treaty aims for US $4 billion annually, or 1 dollar for every woman on earth.

 The LCCEWA has signed the treaty and encouraged individuals and member organizations to do the same.  Join the call for a global treaty to eradicate violence against women and girls.  Stand in solidarity with individuals around the world who believe in a life free from all forms of violence for every woman and girl.

 Individuals, organizations and groups are being encouraged to sign the treaty to show solidarity

 Visit the website to learn more & to sign the treaty - https://everywoman.org/