Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis invites everyone to end sexual violence in the community.
Since May of 1988, women’s organizations across Ontario have worked to increase public awareness and engage their communities to prevent sexual assault against women and children.
Sexual assaults are the most under-reported violent crimes in Canada. In 2010, Guelph Police Services received 63 reports of sexual assault.
Fewer than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to police, and in 2010, Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis’ Sexual Assault Centre provided services to 179 women
It is a crime of power and control. Women and girls represent the majority of victims, and young women between the ages of 15 to 25 experience the highest rates of sexual assault.
“As a community we need to acknowledge and work together to deconstruct the systems of attitudes and inequalities that justify sexual aggression and violence against women and children in order to prevent sexual assault from continuing to plague our community,” said Jessica St. Peter, public educator for G-W Women in Crisis.
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Women in Crisis invites the community to take part in the following events:
– all month, visit Galaxy Cinemas, Guelph and view the selected sexual assault prevention public service announcement created by the students of the media arts class of Centre Wellington District High School;
– May 6, support No One Asks For It. Wear purple on May 6. Wear purple and like on Facebook to raise awareness of sexual assault;
– May 8 at 9:30am is a Mother’s Day 5km run and 3km walk. For information to register call 519-836-1110 at extension 221; and
– 11am to 2pm on May 27, the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis Open House.
Join the group for free workshops on grounding techniques and empowerment, video screening, and commu-nity art project. For more information visit www.gwwomenincrisis.org, like Women in Crisis on Facebook and follow on Twitter @gwwic.
Sexual assault happens when a person thinks they have a right to sexually touch a body without permission.
Preventing the serious social problem of sexual assault demands the support of everyone.
If anyone is in need of support, call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 519-836-5710 or 1-800-265-7233.
