Preventing Abuse, Empowering Survivors
November is Women Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and support initiatives that promote safer communities. United Way Niagara stands as a proud supporter of the essential work our local agency partners are doing to combat abuse and provide sanctuary for survivors. 30 of the programs that United Way supports across Niagara address intimate partner violence as part of their supports, with 6 programs directly dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate and heal from the trauma of abuse.
“Having previously worked in the area of gender-based violence, I was deeply shocked by how widespread it is in my community,”
An epidemic
The urgency of our partners work cannot be overstated. In September 2023, Niagara joined 47 other Ontario municipalities in declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic. With 62 femicides in Ontario in 2023 alone—including three in Niagara—intimate partner violence remains a pressing issue in our region. Our proximity to international borders further complicates matters, as human trafficking is also a serious issue. In 2022, the Ontario Ministry of Education took action by mandating anti-trafficking protocols across school boards. Niagara has since updated its own Emergency Human Trafficking Protocol to support victims in urgent situations.
It takes a village
Programs supported by United Way Niagara, such as those at Birchway Niagara, Gillian’s Place, YWCA Niagara Region, Niagara Sexual Assault Centre and Victim Services Niagara, provide emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning and critical crisis intervention and support. Our investments in these programs collectively impacted the lives of 6,903 people last year, a mere portion of the greater impact of their work.
Birchway Niagara has 40 beds available and receives an average of over 1,620 calls for support each year. Similarly, Gillian’s Place provided shelter to 241 individuals last year, while also creating 2,546 safety plans and answering over 6,625 crisis calls.
“Having previously worked in the area of gender-based violence, I was deeply shocked by how widespread it is in my community,” said Chelsey Maclachlan Wormald, Director of Resource Development at United Way Niagara. “It goes beyond just physical and sexual abuse; it also includes psychological and financial harm. This often makes it hard for our closest friends and family to see, and survivors frequently feel unsafe or uncomfortable reaching out for help. This work is incredibly important, and I’m thankful for the chance to continue fighting against gender-based violence through my role at United Way.”
Supporting prevention
United Way Niagara’s commitment extends beyond emergency support to include preventative efforts, like The Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre’s school-based Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program. The CAP program, offered to grades one to six, teaches children strategies to deal with intimidating and frightening situations involving bullies, strangers, physical and emotional abuse, and incest.
“Over the years I’ve been witness to this program (CAP), and it continues to be one of the most effective, age-appropriate and valuable workshops available for children (and staff!). Always sensitive to the age and developmental levels of the group.” – Grade three teacher, Lockview Public School
Together, we can help end cycles of violence and build a foundation for safer futures. Through United Way Niagara and its partners, families affected by gender-based violence can access the support they need to rebuild their lives and create safer, brighter futures for their families. This November, let’s all take a stand, support prevention, and offer hope to those in need.
