It is Valentine’s day, and with so many couples celebrating this day, it is important to acknowledge that there are 4.7 million young women in Canada experiencing violent relationships, and there are many more who do not even know it yet.
Jennifer Dunn, the executive director of London Abused Women’s Centre explains the steps taken when a victim is reaching out for help. “If a woman was to come in here and say that she is in immediate danger, what we would do is take her to one of her counselling offices and talk to her and figure out what the next step would be.” Jennifer Dunn said.
Jennifer mentioned how the victims usually do not realise that they are in danger due to the constant manipulation from the abuser into thinking that this abuse is their way to show love. She also added that the London Abused Women’s centre provides services in person, and on the phone for women who are stuck at home and can not physically reach out for help. The in-person service works best for victims who are prohibited from carrying a phone by their abuser or are being tracked. “Usually when a woman is being tracked all her movements are being watched, so it is very hard to reach out for services over the phone. Our doors are open no matter what, women can just walk in and we will plan a safety plan with her to make sure she gets to the centre safely.” Dunn said.
The London Abused Women’ Centre twitter constantly posts about cases of abused and harassed victims and survivors and ways to help them out.
If in crisis, contact the London Abused Women’s Centre help line 519-642-3000, or visit them at 797 York Street – Unit 5, London, Ontario N5W 6A8.
“Domestic violence has a way of being invisible, until it actually touches you … whether it was a friend, a family member, a neighbour,.." In #LdnOnt please
519-432-2204. We are here to help.https://t.co/YUJ911UKQW
— London Abused Women’s Centre (@endwomanabuse) February 1, 2022
'Laws haven’t been changed enough to prevent harassment in the workplace. Laws, policies and procedures continue to leave the victims pushing for answers and resolve. First Nations women are constantly forgotten in much of the dialogue'https://t.co/8bfZSnpxXS
— London Abused Women’s Centre (@endwomanabuse) February 2, 2022