Rural Women’s Support Program has been helping women, gender diverse people for 40 years

FERGUS – While Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the Rural Women’s Support Program (RWSP) has already turned 40.

And officials opened the doors of the Fergus office to the public on June 9 to note the milestone.

“I really hoped we’d be going out of business,” said RWSP manager Jacinta Cassidy. “Unfortunately, we’re busier than ever.”

The office at 479 St. Patrick St. W. is fairly large compared to the offices in Erin, Mount Forest and Palmerston.

It has two private counselling rooms, a library, a group room where workshops are held, a donation room, an office for the family support or court worker, and Cassidy’s office.

The other locations have one counsellor and just one private office.

But they are all equally busy, Cassidy said, indicating the need.

“We’re seeing more (intimate partner violence cases) than what’s reported through OPP,” she said, adding the Fergus office saw 263 women or gender-diverse people come through its doors last year.

The rural program offers the same services as the Guelph office:

• immediate telephone support and information through the 24-hour Crisis Line;
• risk assessment and safety planning for women and their children;
• connection with Marianne’s Place (the emergency shelter) when necessary;
• one-to-one counselling and support;
• group counselling;
• accompaniment, advocacy and referrals to police, court, hospital, lawyers, social services and community agencies;
• referrals for two hours of free legal consultation;
• connection with the Family Court Support Program;
• sexual harassment support/information;
• assistance with victim impact statements and court preparation;
• connection with the Anti-Human Trafficking Program;
• assistance with accessing transportation for related appointments;
• support and information for family and friends of survivors;
• referrals to other community supports and services, as needed;
• public education, school, community, and professional training opportunities on a variety of topics; and
• various workshops throughout the year on specific topics of interests related to women’s experience.  

Cassidy said many women are opting to stay with their abuser because of the housing shortage. If there’s no room at the emergency shelter, there’s really nowhere for them to go.

“The lack of affordable housing makes it difficult,” she said. 

“They often have to leave their community. That means their children would have to change schools. Housing is a big barrier to leaving.

“That’s why we are advocating for women to stay in their homes and remove the offender.”

Cassidy noted the legal system has not ruled in favour of women alleging sexual abuse in recent years and that is keeping many women from pressing charges.

“The system is hard,” she said. “It scares women. And it’s such a difficult climate for women to leave (their abuser).”

In terms of operational funding, it’s been cut and now organizations must apply for grants.

Available grants are generally for three years and pit like-minded organizations – like Victim Services or police intimate partner violence programs – against each other as they are applying for the same grants.

Members of the public can help by dropping off donations of clothing, hygiene products and food. Cash or gift card donations are also welcome, as are cell phones and laptops.

“It is heavy work,” Cassidy said, although there is joy in seeing women escape violence and provide a better future for themselves and their children.

“You don’t have to be abused to get help. You don’t have to leave to get help. We try to meet people where they are at,” she explained.

The RWSP is holding 40th anniversary open houses at their other locations as well.

The open house in Erin was on June 16; the one in  Mount Forest is set for June 23; and the Palmerston event is June 30.

Visit gwwomenincrisis.org/get-help/rwsp for more information. The toll-free 24-hour crisis line is 1-800-265-7233; the local number is 519-836-5710.