Woman Abuse Prevention Month – Together Counts!
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month. This month, let’s take some time to pause, reflect, and stand up for those women in our collective communities who have faced intimate partner violence and their children who have witnessed and are affected by violence.
At Luke’s Place, our mission is clear: we are here to provide support, safety, and legal guidance to women as they navigate the challenging family court process after leaving abuse.
This month is an important opportunity to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire action. Violence against women is not a private matter – it is a community issue, a legal issue, and a human rights issue. Each year, thousands of women in Ontario experience physical, emotional, and financial abuse and many of these women will encounter additional challenges when trying to protect themselves and their children through the family law system.
With the federal government and nearly 100 municipalities declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic, we can no longer ignore the urgent need to address this crisis. It’s not just a private issue behind closed doors; it’s a societal epidemic that demands action from all of us. We must stand together to ensure every woman has the safety and support she needs to escape violence and rebuild her life.
The Reality of Woman Abuse
Woman abuse comes in many forms – and while the abuse itself is devastating, many women also face significant legal and systemic barriers when they try to leave an abusive relationship. Family court can be a complex, intimidating, and often re-traumatizing experience for survivors.
At Luke’s Place, we understand these challenges. That is why our unique wraparound model supports women with both legal and emotional assistance. Our family court support workers, legal advocates, and dedicated volunteers ensure no woman faces this journey alone.
How Luke’s Place Supports
Since Luke’s Place opened its doors in 2003, we have been committed to providing free, accessible legal support for women experiencing intimate partner violence. Through our in-person and virtual services and the expansion of our legal clinic, we have been able to reach hundreds of women with critical family law support every year in the Durham Region, across Ontario, including those in rural and remote areas. Our resources, like our Family Court and Beyond website with accompanying workbook and organizer, are designed to help women better understand and prepare for their court cases. Our After She Leaves training program provides advocates the information they need to provide effective family court support in Ontario. We know that navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, women can regain control of their lives and their futures.
How You Can Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play in ending intimate partner violence. Together Counts! Here’s how you can make a difference this month:
Support Our Work
Donations to Luke’s Place directly fund legal support services for women leaving intimate partner violence across Ontario.
Donate
Volunteer
Whether through fundraising, advocacy, or offering direct support, our legal support volunteers, pro bono lawyers, and board members are the backbone of our organization. Your time and skills can help change a woman’s life.
Volunteer
Spread Awareness
You can use your voice to raise awareness in your community. Talk about the realities of woman abuse and the challenges women face in the family court system. Share information about the resources available through Luke’s Place.
Advocate
Engage with Us
This November, join us for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, culminating in International Human Rights Day on December 10. Follow Luke’s Place on social media for updates, stories of impact, and ways you can stand with us.
Together Counts
At Luke’s Place, our work is rooted in the belief that together, we can make a difference. Whether through offering support or raising awareness, every action matters. This Woman Abuse Prevention Month let’s join forces as a community and take a stand for the women who need us. Let’s commit to creating a future where every woman is safe, supported, and empowered to live a life free from abuse.
Stand with Luke’s Place – Together we are stronger!
For more information on how to support women navigating the family law system or to donate to our cause, visit LukesPlace.ca
Together Counts! Donate Today!
Related blogs:
Standing Against Violence Together: What YOU can do
