Archives for October 2019

We are honoured to once again partner with so many Shoppers Drug Mart stores as part of their Growing Women’s Health campaign. From now to November 1, 2019 you can visit any of these stores and support us:

· College Square, 725 College Street
· Lake Shore & Park Lawn, 2206 Lake Shore Blvd West
· Royal York, 3010 Bloor St. West
· The East Mall, 600 The East Mall, Unit 1
· Humbertown Shopping Centre, 270 The Kingsway
· Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Unit # 1267
· Six Points Plaza, 5230 Dundas St. West
· The Queensway, 125 The Queensway
· Browns Line & Lake Shore, 3730 Lake Shore Blvd West, Unit 102
· Lake Shore & 4th, 2850 Lake Shore Blvd. West
· Bloor West Village, 2223 Bloor St. West
· Thorncrest Plaza, 1500 Islington Ave.
· Burnhamthorpe Mall, 666 Burnhamthorpe Rd.

Thank you to all our amazing Shoppers partners! We love you! #ShoppersLovesYou

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign began 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect women’s advocates across the country. Starting in the United States, many Canadian women’s organizations have adopted the month as way to spread awareness.

At Women’s Habitat we often hear from friends and loved ones that they feel helpless and are unsure of the best ways to reach out and offer support to a survivor of violence. In recognition of the month, we want to offer our followers a few ways they can be there for their loved ones. Many of these points are from the Pixel Project as part of their 16 for 16 campaign featuring 16 articles about gender based violence.

Listen

One of the primary things a survivor of violence needs is for you to just sit and listen sincerely. Listen without judgment and let your friend know that both they and what they are going through is important.

Believe

Another primary thing a survivor needs is to be believed. Tell them directly: “I believe you.”

Ask how you can help

Sometimes we may feel like we know what to do in this situation or may want to immediately seek help for the survivor. We must remember that this is not about us and it is more useful to ask “Is there anything you need from me right now?”

Respect boundaries

Do not try and help or offer suggestions if they do not want any. Remember that survivors of violence have had their boundaries violated and need people to respect them.

No pressure

Never put pressure on your friend to pursue options or react in a certain way. Give them the tools to decide how to move forward and don’t judge their decisions. Remember survivors stay and go back for various reasons, financial dependence, pressure from family or community, guilt, threats…

Provide resources

Let them know that there is professional help available. Women’s Habitat runs at 24/7 crisis line answered by trained counsellors. Give them the number (416-252-5829) and let them know there are a variety of supports available. Sometimes survivors think leaving and going to a shelter is the only option. At Women’s Habitat we offer counselling, drop in and group programming at our outreach centre. We can also connect her to culturally specific supports and supports closer to her home or work.

Educate yourself

Do the research and learn about the issue. Become familiar with the cycle of violence, the signs of an abuser etc. The more you know the more you can support. You can find some great information on our resources page.

Educate others

Ending the systemic issue of gender based violence means changing our patriarchal culture. It starts with all of us. Take the time to educate your community, family, and friends about how harmful misogynistic language is and how it perpetuates violence. Share the Rape Culture Pyramid, by the 11th Principle project, a great visual to explain how changing the outcomes of gender based violence starts with changing the culture.

Get involved

Supporting a survivor can be overwhelming, frustrating and heartbreaking. It can feel like there is no hope and no justice. By getting involved you can become part of a bigger movement creating social change. There is power in numbers. Join the Women’s Habitat community and become a change maker!

Take care of yourself

Make sure you get the support you need to be a good ally to your loved one and to keep your own mental and emotional health in check. We cannot fill another’s glass from an empty jug.