Preventing violence against women is not just a women’s issue, says a London organization that works with domestic violence victims.
That’s why the London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) is calling for men and boys to help make a change this November, which is Woman Abuse Prevention month.
“Violence against women is not a woman’s issue. It is an issue for men, young men and boys to be aware of and learn how to act, learn about behavior and how to treat women,” said Jennifer Dunn, executive director of LAWC.
The centre hopes to raise awareness about violence against women through its 17th annual Shine the Light campaign, which invites organizations and businesses to light up their buildings purple throughout the month of November.
Fanshawe College and Western University are among the buildings that will shine a purple light all month.
Purple was chosen because it’s the colour that’s associated with Women’s Abuse Prevention month but also because, it repersents courage and strength.
The campaign has grown bigger then London, becoming a national and global campaign.
“There are landmarks in Europe that are turning purple for the campaign. There are landmarks in Australia that are turning purple for the campaign. In Montreal, we just had heard about the big skywheel in Montreal is turning purple for the campaign,” Dunn said.
Dunn said their goal is to encourage Londoners to think about what they can do to help bring awareness and prevent violence against women. That could mean either starting a conversation or giving people that need support reasources to help.
“If there is one woman that reaches out for support during the month of November because she’s heard about the campaign then that makes it all worth it to us,” Dunn said.
LAWC provides long-term counselling and support for women and girls, twelve and up, who have gone through abuse, sexual assualt or intimate partner violence.
The organization does not offer places to stay but will help women make safety plans and connect them with other reasources in the community.
Londoners can participate in Wear Purple Day on November 15 by wearing purple.
