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LETTER: Here's how you can take action on gender-based violence

This International Women's Day, Yellow Brick House is raising awareness of the debilitating and life-changing impact on women and children who are victims of gender-based violence and abuse
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International Women's Day on March 8 is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. It's also a day that recognizes the inequality women face. 

This year's theme, #EmbraceEquity, envisions a world free of bias, stereotypes, discrimination and domestic abuse. It's also a world where we can envision change for women facing domestic violence and abuse.

This International Women's Day, Yellow Brick House is raising awareness of the debilitating and life-changing impact on women and children who are victims of gender-based violence and abuse.

With a 30 per cent increase in domestic violence since the start of the pandemic and a 53 per cent increase in femicides last year compared to the previous year, gender-based violence continues to be a critical issue impacting individuals, families and communities. On average, there are three femicides occurring every month in Ontario.

Every Ontarian has a key role to play when it comes to addressing domestic violence in the workforce, media, politics, educational system, entertainment industries, and at home. Take action to address gender-based inequity and inequality in a meaningful way today by:

  • Contacting our municipal, provincial and federal politicians to let them know you want them to take action to help women and their children get the long-term supports they need.
  • Connecting with Yellow Brick House about how you can support their services that are vital to the women and children who are in dangerous situations.
  • Support our Mothers in Mind program and help Yellow Brick House match up to $50,000 with the Citrine Foundation March Matching campaign. 

We believe that every femicide is preventable. However, ending violence against women and children is only possible with active collective participation. We must work together to break the silence, #EmbraceEquity, and end violence against women and children.

If you are a survivor of violence in need of support, please call or text Yellow Brick House’s 24-hour crisis and support line at 1-800-263-3247. You can also seek support from any of the York Region’s Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee member agencies. Visit their website at https://www.yrvawcc.ca/ for more information.

Since 1978, Yellow Brick House has been providing life-saving services and prevention programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by violence. Our Vision is Freedom from violence. Equality for all. The organization is committed to providing a wide range of free and confidential support services to women and children experiencing abuse and violence and empowering them to transition to a violence free lives.  

For more information about Yellow Brick House, visit yellowbrickhouse.org

Lorris Herenda
Chief Executive Officer, Yellow Brick House