United Way is steadfast in its commitment to opposing hate and violence in all forms, advocating for a society that values dignity, respect, and equality for all individuals.
November, in Canada, has been designated to unite advocates to end domestic violence. It is a time to help raise awareness about the signs of abuse, ways to prevent and put an end to it, uplift stories of survivors, and share information with leaders and policymakers. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. However, some populations are especially at risk. It disproportionately impacts women (especially Indigenous women, who are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violence, and women living with physical and cognitive impairments, who are two to three times more likely to experience gender-based violence), trans, Two-Spirit, and gender non-conforming people.
United Way WRC has dedicated substantial resources to support efforts addressing these injustices. In 2023-2024, thanks to donors, $188,000 was invested through nine grants to local community organizations that are actively working to combat hate, gender-based violence, and family violence.
- Domestic partner violence comes in many different shapes and forms. This violence can take the form of emotional/psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual violence, criminal harassment – stalking, spiritual abuse, reproductive coercion etc, against another person (Government of Canada, Fact Sheet).
- More than 4 in 10 women report experiencing some form of psychological, physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their life time (Statistics Canada, 2018), and research demonstrates that women disproportionately experience the most severe forms of intimate partner violence, such as being choked, being assaulted or threatened with a weapon, or being sexually assaulted (Cotter, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics).
- Every 6 days in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner, highlighting how detrimental this issue is to people’s safety and their lives (Women’s Crisis Services).
- Domestic Violence is one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation (World Health Organization).
From November 25 – December 10th we will celebrate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Follow along on our social media, and join in the conversation, as we share more about Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention through the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence this month.
How can you help?
By recognizing domestic violence when you see it, listening and helping to victims, and taking responsibility to learn we, can all help to prevent domestic violence in our communities. In 2023-2024, United Way WRC invested $188,000 to support programs working against Hate, Gender-based and Family Violence, through 9 different grants to local community organizations. You can contribute to this impact by making a donation on our website.
United is the way to a more safe and equitable community. United is the way to positive change!
United, we have the potential to build a society in which all voices are heard, and all people are valued. Speaking out against domestic violence is an important part of our work. As we progress through the month of November, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to promoting understanding, advancing inclusivity, and standing in solidarity with all communities.