Birchway to raise flag in Fort Erie for Woman Abuse Prevention Month

A Niagara-based organization is encouraging residents to come together for Woman Abuse Prevention Month in November.

Birchway Niagara, formerly Women’s Place, has a number of initiatives and events planned, including a flag raising at Fort Erie town hall on November 25, which will also kick off the 16 Days of Activism Campaign that runs until December 10.

The occasion is a month dedicated to highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence and the importance of supporting survivors by providing safe spaces, support, and the resources necessary to rebuild their lives, says a news release from Birchway Niagara, which also states that it’s time to talk about the role that everyone plays in ending the cycle of violence.

According to the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH), 52 victims of femicide have already been reported between November 26, 2023 and September 30, 2024.

During the same period last year, 46 femicides had been reported. This is a trend that cannot continue, says the news release, and why Birchway Niagara is asking individuals and organizations in the region to call for change and for safer communities.

Many members of the community have already taken steps to show their support during Woman Abuse Prevention Month by purchasing an Allied Against Abuse Daily Raffle ticket in support of Birchway Niagara.

By purchasing over 4,000 tickets, which promise holders the chance to win on a daily basis in November, Niagara’s allies have raised over $40,000 to support local domestic violence services.

Birchway Niagara is grateful for the incredible donations–over $10,000 in prizes–from local businesses and individuals who remind us of the collective strength of our community in the fight against domestic violence, the organization said.

Another way that individuals can show that they are allies in ending gender-based violence is to participate in the annual Wrapped in Courage campaign.

“The concept is simple: Wear a purple scarf throughout November to show survivors that they are not alone,” says Birchway’s release.

While simple, this gesture can spark important conversations about intimate partner violence. Across Ontario, jurisdictions, including Niagara, have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic.

As the province of Ontario considers doing the same with their consideration of the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act–Bill 173, now in committee–representatives from women’s shelters from across Ontario will head to Queen’s Park in late November to remind provincial representatives of the continuing importance of dedicating resources toward the prevention of gender-based violence and resources to help survivors, says the organization.

The flag raising in Fort Erie takes place at 10 a.m. and is one of six scheduled for November 25.

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