London shining a light on woman abuse
In light of the provincial government's
Woman Abuse Awareness
and Prevention Month, various
local businesses and organizations
are making efforts to bring attention
to an issue that will affect
nearly half of Canadian women in
their lifetime.
According to Christy Floyd from the London Abused Women's Centre, the hope is to get people in the community talking about the issue, a conversation sparked by local organizations colouring themselves purple — the official colour of abuse awareness. According to the LAWC website, "Purple is a symbol of courage, survival and honour, and has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse."
Going into only its second year, the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign already has citywide involvement and support. "Last year there were purple floodlights on some of the bigger buildings downtown. We also encourage businesses to put up purple window displays, either with their own merchandise and supplies or purple campaign merchandise."
Starting with the campaign launch in Victoria Park on November 1, a tree in the park is going to be illuminated with thousands of tiny purple lights. November 15 is Wear Purple Day; everybody is encouraged to celebrate the campaign by making purple a part of their outfit, whether it's with clothing, accessories or makeup. Purple floodlight film, Shine the Light t-shirts, posters, purple string lights, bracelets, purple light bulbs, temporary tattoos and purple ribbon car magnets are available to purchase at the London Abused Women's Centre, located at 217 York St., Suite 107. Other events happening throughout the rest of the month include a co-ed ball hockey tournament, a day of purple pedicures, a day devoted to wearing purple and more. To wrap up the event at the end of the month, there will be a luscious three-course celebration dinner on November 25. For more information, visit lawc.on.ca/ShineTheLight.
Along with raising awareness, one of the most important messages being spread is that "Women who are being abused know that there is somewhere to go to get help or just to talk," Floyd explained.
For more information about events, participation or the campaign itself, contact the London Abused Women's Center at 519- 432-2204. For crisis counselling, call the Abused Women's Helpline at 519-642-3000.
According to Christy Floyd from the London Abused Women's Centre, the hope is to get people in the community talking about the issue, a conversation sparked by local organizations colouring themselves purple — the official colour of abuse awareness. According to the LAWC website, "Purple is a symbol of courage, survival and honour, and has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse."
Going into only its second year, the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign already has citywide involvement and support. "Last year there were purple floodlights on some of the bigger buildings downtown. We also encourage businesses to put up purple window displays, either with their own merchandise and supplies or purple campaign merchandise."
Starting with the campaign launch in Victoria Park on November 1, a tree in the park is going to be illuminated with thousands of tiny purple lights. November 15 is Wear Purple Day; everybody is encouraged to celebrate the campaign by making purple a part of their outfit, whether it's with clothing, accessories or makeup. Purple floodlight film, Shine the Light t-shirts, posters, purple string lights, bracelets, purple light bulbs, temporary tattoos and purple ribbon car magnets are available to purchase at the London Abused Women's Centre, located at 217 York St., Suite 107. Other events happening throughout the rest of the month include a co-ed ball hockey tournament, a day of purple pedicures, a day devoted to wearing purple and more. To wrap up the event at the end of the month, there will be a luscious three-course celebration dinner on November 25. For more information, visit lawc.on.ca/ShineTheLight.
Along with raising awareness, one of the most important messages being spread is that "Women who are being abused know that there is somewhere to go to get help or just to talk," Floyd explained.
For more information about events, participation or the campaign itself, contact the London Abused Women's Center at 519- 432-2204. For crisis counselling, call the Abused Women's Helpline at 519-642-3000.
