Published
Friday, November 1, 2019
Last Updated
On November 1, a number of London landmarks will be illuminated with purple lighting in support of the London Abused Women’s Centre’s Shine the Light on Woman Abuse Campaign.
The Shine the Light on Woman Abuse Campaign was launched in 2010 to raise awareness of men’s violence against women; to stand in solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but to the perpetrators of their abuse; and to raise the profile of the community agencies that can provide abused women with help as they attempt to live their lives free from violence and abuse.
Private and public organizations across Canada and around the world turn purple for the month of November in support of this initiative. Purple is a symbol of courage, survival and honour, and has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse.
This year’s Shine the Light on Woman Abuse Campaign Honourees are Sonya Cywink and Fanshawe student Natalia Jimenez.
How can I participate in Shine the Light?
Fanshawe has a number of activities planned, including:
- Chalk Walk: Monday, November 4
- Fanshawe students will bring awareness to violence against women in our community by posting information and statistics on the sidewalks surrounding Fanshawe’s London Campus and residence.
- Shades of Our Sisters: Monday November 4 to Friday, November 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M3001
- Traditional opening of the exhibition: Monday, November 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- The Shades of Our Sisters is a multimedia exhibition co-created by the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women to share the memory of their loved ones, including Sonya Cywink, and what the loss of their life means. Audiences are transported into the grief, laughter and love of these families, challenging Canadians to realize the injustice of this national tragedy.
- Wear Purple Day: Friday, November 15
- Individuals are invited to wear purple to their workplaces and schools. Women’s advocates can participate in the day by speaking at various events to focus attention about the issue of men’s violence against women and sexual violence.
Resources and support
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or sexual violence, help is available. These resources can provide support and information:
Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph's Hospital
The Program provides help to address your medical, emotional and safety concerns in a caring and supportive environment. Services include, but are not limited to; forensic evidence collection, counselling, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. A specialized team of nurses and social workers are available to provide support and discuss your options. Services are available to individuals of any gender identification or non-conforming gender identity. All services are confidential, free of charge, and directed by the patient.
Phone: (Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 519-646-6100 x64224
After hours: 519-646-6100, press “0” and ask switchboard to page the nurse-on-call for sexual assault and domestic violence.
St. Joseph's Health Care London
Room B0-644 268 Grosvenor Street
London, Ontario N6A 4V2
www.sjhc.london.on.ca/sexualassault
Anova - support and information helpline
24/7 support services are offered over the phone to men and women. Anova provides feminist based client focused, counselling and support to women 15 years and older. Services are confidential and free of charge.
519-642-3000
www.anovafuture.org
Support for Fanshawe students:
Fanshawe's Sexual Violence Prevention Advisor (SVPA)
- Assists and supports students who have been subjected to sexual violence.
- Provides information on available options on and off campus.
- Provides referrals to medical care, counselling services, community services, as well as information about legal and reporting options.
- Services are confidential, within limitations related to concerns for campus community safety.
- Students can call or email to make a personal appointment.
Campus Security Services
In case of an emergency or to file a formal complaint you may contact Campus Security Services. Any report of sexual violence to Campus Security Services is then reported to the regional police service.
519-452-4430 x4242
Room: D1027, London Campus
https://www.fanshawec.ca/security
Counselling and Accessibility Services
Counselling and Accessibility Services offers a wide range of personal counselling services to students as well as referrals and assistance with safety planning. Counsellors provide a confidential atmosphere where you can explore any topic or situation and discuss any concerns you may have including situations involving recent or historical sexual violence.
Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
519-452-4282
Room: F2010
Fowler Kennedy Student Health Services
Student Health Services offers a wide variety of services for all registered full-time students at Fanshawe College. For more information on hours of operation and how to book an appointment please visit the website below.
519-452-4230
Room: SC1001, London Campus
https://www.fanshawec.ca/healthservices
London Abused Women’s Centre
The London Abused Women’s Centre is a feminist agency providing abused and exploited women and children over the age of 12 with hope and help. This includes women and girls exploited in prostitution/sex trafficking/pornography; abused by their intimate partners; and/or subjected to sexual harassment or torture. LAWC also provides support and counselling to family members of women and girls who have been prostituted/sex trafficked, including women and girls who are missing or disappeared.
797 York Street - Unit 5
London, On N5W 6A8
Phone: 519-432-2204
https://www.lawc.on.ca/