London shining the light on the abuse of women

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: PROVIDED BY JENNIFER DUNN
A purple flag raised to show support for victims of violence and abuse.

Purple, a colour representing power, courage and survival. Londoners, brace yourselves as the city is about to get a whole lot more powerful in the next month. November is a month dedicated to Shine the Light on Woman Abuse, uniting communities to stand together in solidarity to support victims of violence. The operation also enables members of the community to become aware of the abundance of resources and help available in the city whenever coming across a violent situation.

First launched in London in 2010, the growth of the campaign has now spread across Canada. This marks the seventh year of the initiative.

Every year, local businesses, schools and individuals come together to raise public awareness through a series of events taking place throughout the city. Events co-ordinator from the London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC), Jennifer Dunn, said that the lighting of the tree is just one of the many events taking place.

To kick-off the month, the tree lighting will take place on Nov. 1 in Victoria Park. Dunn said the trees will stay illuminated all through the annual lighting of the holiday lights as well. Although the main goal is to raise awareness, Dunn said that it is really important to shift the blame that the victims feel and move it over to the abusers.

“A lot of women may say things like, ‘Why was I in that relationship', but it's not about that. It's not the women's fault. We want to make people aware and raise awareness that it's men's violence against women. The blame should never be on the victim, and it needs to end.” Annually, Shine the Light highlights two new special women. This year they are showcasing Mary Meadows and Paula Gallant. Meadows is a woman who has found hope and encouragement through the guidance of the LAWC. She will be the guest speaker at this year's lighting of the tree.

Gallant was a beloved family member and friend and well respected teacher that impacted the lives of many. Gallant was strangled to death by her husband, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2011 for the crime. Her sisters Lynn Gallant and Lana Kenny will be speaking on behalf of her. This year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a video to show his support for the initiative. He said it takes tremendous courage and resilience to break free from abuse.

“Violence against women is a terrible and tragic reality and one that cannot exist in secret. We must shine the light on the abuse of women, we must support women struggling to rebuild their lives. I stand in solidarity with victims, with survivors, with families and with loved ones.” A link to the video is posted on the LAWC website.

On Nov. 15, individuals are encouraged to dress up in purple attire to their workplaces and schools for Wear Purple Day. Dunn anticipates a great turnout for this event and said the colour purple was chosen as it symbolizes what she envisions for the future: the end of women abuse. Back at Fanshawe, the school has partnered with the LAWC to organize a number of events across the college's campus. Fanshawe's sexual violence prevention advisor, Leah Marshall, explained what students can expect to see with the Chalk Block.

“Instead of posters or things put up around school, we are getting information about violence against women and the Shine the Lights event [and writing it] on the sidewalks surrounding campus and residence buildings.”

She said it is a great way to get students to interact with the information without having to attend one of the events. Students can begin to see the work from Nov. 7 onwards. Marshall urges students to participate in acknowledging that violence against women is a social issue that needs awareness to be brought to it.

“It's important for students to know that there are ways to support their friends and their peers, and to provide them with resources on campus or in the community. If somebody is experiencing this type of violence, they may not be aware of what type of resources to reach out to.”

She said by educating students of available resources, they will be able to provide any support that is needed. “We are constantly working towards a safer campus. Part of creating a safer campus is acknowledging the social issues that individuals face, including students [and] letting students know there are supports on campus.”

Marshall is a confidential support for students and said if students are experiencing any type of violence presently or in the past, she is a source they can turn to. For more details or a full event itinerary, head to the LAWC website for more information.