Brockton raises the flag to end gender-based violence

November 17, 2021 @ 1:23 pmLocal News, News, Walkerton Herald-Times

Michelle Lamont of Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey, and Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody, raise the flag marking November as Woman Abuse Awareness Month. The colour purple represents domestic violence. Said Lamont, “It’s not a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue, because it affects us all, and we all have the right to feel safe and secure.” Peabody said he was pleased to raise the flag on the municipal flag pole as a reminder to the entire community. (Pauline Kerr photo)

BROCKTON – November is Woman Abuse Awareness Month, and communities across Ontario, including Brockton, are joining with Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey to raise the flag to end-gender based violence.

For the ninth year, the Wrapped in Courage campaign is mobilizing Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario to remind everyone that now more than ever, violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women and girls.

Throughout the month of November, everyone is asked to wear a purple scarf to show support for survivors who’ve had to endure gender-based violence in their homes, communities and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes to seek support and safety from violence.

Throughout November several Wrapped in Courage flags have been raised in Grey-Bruce, and a proclamation has been declared by Mayor Chris Peabody in Brockton. This proclamation and the flag-raising signal a commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community, ensuring survivors know they are not alone. Poster replicas of the flags will be placed throughout the community.

Women’s House provides vital safety and support services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.

Gender-based violence is an often-invisible issue, and many women and gender-diverse individuals may not be aware of the services that are available in their community. Every Ontarian has a key role to play when it comes to addressing gender-based violence and preventing femicide.

Everyone can take action to address gender-based violence in a meaningful way today in a number of ways:

  • Talking with those close to you about how shelters in your community play an essential role for survivor safety through their programs and services and continue to have services available throughout the pandemic.
  • Contacting our municipal, provincial and federal politicians to let them know you want them to take action to end gender-based violence through commitments and planning at all levels of government.
  • Connecting with Women’s House about how you can support its services.

Nov. 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Be sure to wear or display a purple scarf or purple “stay safe” mask in support of survivors of gender-based violence.