Christin_Lola / Depositphotos.com
Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Services is marking Women Abuse Prevention Month with a full slate of awareness activities as part of the Wrapped in Courage campaign. Running throughout November and during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the campaign highlights the urgent need to support survivors and recognize warning signs in the community. Executive Director Amber Waddell tells us more.
She says many people never connect with shelters or support services, which is why raising public awareness is crucial.
The purple scarves, ties, and flags that are being sold symbolize community support and remind residents that everyone has a role in ending gender-based violence. Scarves are available year-round at hnws.on.ca, with pickup options in Simcoe and delivery or shipping available.
This year’s campaign also includes a special film screening at The Strand Theatre. Board Chair Kim Schott helped bring the independent film Christy—the true story of pioneering boxer Christy Martin—to local audiences after first seeing it at TIFF. She believes the film has some strong parallels for a local audience.
She says the film’s powerful themes of resilience, coercive control, and survival resonate deeply with audiences, and that the TIFF screening was especially gripping.
Schott hopes the screening sparks conversations about recognizing abuse, believing survivors, and understanding the realities many women face behind closed doors. Tickets can be purchased here: Christy Screening – In Benefit of HNWS
Anyone experiencing abuse can reach the 24-hour Women’s Services crisis line at 1-800-265-8076.
Written by Jeremy Hall