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