Woman Abuse Prevention Month
Every November, Ontario recognizes Woman Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take action to end gender-based violence (GBV).
At Luke’s Place, we stand with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) every day, women navigating not only the trauma of abuse but also the ongoing challenges of the family court system. This month serves as a poignant reminder that ending violence requires more than awareness; it necessitates a collective commitment, community safety, and systemic change.
Intimate Partner Violence is an Epidemic: A Call to Action
November 25th marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and gender-diverse people. This year, Luke’s Place is proud to launch our campaign: “Intimate Partner Violence is an Epidemic: A Call to Action”.
GBV and IPV, a form of GBV, are not isolated incidents; they are a public health crisis at epidemic levels. Across Ontario, more than 100 municipalities have recognized this reality by declaring IPV an epidemic. Yet the provincial government has not. This silence denies the reality, silences survivors and delays funding, resources, and policy reforms that could save lives.
Our campaign aims to educate, engage, and equip communities in Durham Region and across Ontario to take meaningful action. Through pre-recorded webinars, a dynamic social media campaign, and a resource toolkit, we will empower residents, organizations, and leaders to understand the scale of IPV, recognize their role in addressing it, and advocate for systemic change.
What You Can Expect During the Campaign
- Educational Webinars: Three pre-recorded sessions focusing on:
- What IPV looks like
- How IPV is and is not recognized and addressed in family court
- What resources are available to those in the community to help them be allies to survivors and work towards building safety together
- Social Media Activism: “Did You Know” campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25th to December 10th.
- Resource Toolkit: A practical, downloadable community resource toolkit.
How You Can Act
- Learn: Engage in our social media, watch our webinars, and explore our resource toolkit.
- Share: Post our facts, stories, and resources to educate your friends, family members, and networks.
- Advocate: Contact your MPP and push for Ontario to recognize IPV/GBV as an epidemic.
- Support Survivors: Donate, volunteer, or partner with organizations providing critical services to survivors in Ontario.
IPV is an epidemic. The only way to end it is to work together. It is our responsibility as a community to come together. By joining our campaign, you help create a culture where violence is never tolerated, survivors are supported, and IPV comes to an end.
Together, we can end the epidemic of IPV.
