Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Throughout November, police services, fire departments, townships and municipalities across Northumberland County joined Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) to raise Wrapped in Courage flags to show their support and work together to end gender-based violence (GBV).
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and gender-based violence continues to be an increasing concern in Ontario. The November Wrapped in Courage campaign unites Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario to encourage communities to work together to create a future free from gender-based violence.
Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH) announced that the total number of femicide victims in Ontario since November 26th, 2023, is now 59. “Unfortunately, there are high rates of gender-based violence across Ontario, and the need for our services continues to grow. Last year alone, Cornerstone provided service to almost 2,000 women, children and youth through shelter, counselling, housing, and prevention programming.” commented Cornerstone Executive Director, Nancy Johnston. Throughout November the Northumberland community participated in the Wrapped in Courage Campaign and raised flags to show their support to survivors of gender-based violence and make a commitment to make our community safer.
Since 1983, Cornerstone has helped women and children in Northumberland County who have been impacted by gender-based violence, “We know we can not do this work alone, GBV is a community issue and often individuals may not be aware of the services and programs that are available in their community. We need to work together to help prevent GBV and create a safe future for women and children in Northumberland County. Our community plays an important role in addressing gender-based violence, and throughout November our community showed survivors that they are not alone. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Wrapped in Courage campaign, whether you raised a flag, purchased a scarf, or wore purple, your support to survivors and your commitment matters. Thank you for being a Thread of Action to end gender-based violence.” commented Nancy Johnston.
Wrapped in Courage purple scarves and flags are symbols of the courage needed by communities in supporting survivors of violence and ending the epidemic of intimate partner violence, GBV, and femicide across Ontario. They signal a commitment to ending violence in our community and let survivors know they are not alone. Cornerstone is selling handmade Wrapped in Courage purple scarves. To purchase a scarf or for more information please contact cfordham@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca
Established in 1983, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is an accredited violence against women agency working to end gender-based violence by providing accessible, compassionate, and best practice modeled programs and services inclusive of shelter, counselling, housing support, and prevention through a support system that inspires hope, creates safety, and fosters resilience.