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• In Memoriam

Now that December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, has passed and the vigils are over, it is important to not let our attention fade out with the candlelight. The struggle to end violence against women carries on every day of the year, and it needs to involve each and every one of us.

Sadly, the murder of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montréal 21 years ago is just the tip of the iceberg. Partner abuse and sexual violence are still rampant throughout the country, including our Kingston and Frontenac communities. The Sexual Assault Centre, Kingston Interval House, and other organizations are working ceaselessly to provide services for the alarmingly large number of victims and survivors. And unfortunately, there are no signs on the horizon of the trends letting up.

This fight does not belong only to the affected women and the agencies that help them. All of us are in some way negatively impacted by the violence; and in some way, we all have a part in ending it.

The wide array of issues relating to domestic and sexual violence can seem much larger than any one person, and cause us to feel overwhelmed. The reality, though, is that none of these problems are insurmountable. Even as individuals, we can make seemingly small differences in our own lives, which add up to widespread improvement for everyone.

For those of us in a position to give, financial support for Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Interval House, and related organizations is crucial to them being able to continue their daunting work. Getting involved with local campaigns such as Picture An End To Violence, or attending events like December 6 vigils, helps to raise funds and awareness. Even simple gestures such as wearing white or purple ribbons can help by spreading the message.

The bottom line is that we must overcome any sense of helplessness, and stop being bystanders. This can mean contributing through some of the ways described above; but it can also mean engaging on a personal level–maybe by breaking the silence around situations that exist in our family, social, or workplace dynamics; perhaps by reaching out to someone you fear is being victimized.

Whatever the specific opportunities for you to act may be, it is important for keep the struggle to end violence against women at the forefront of our thoughts, and actions, every day of the year.

Kim Allen and Lisa Fox
Co-Chairs,
The Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee

Since 1986, Ontario has recognized November as Woman Abuse Prevention Month in an effort to shed light on domestic and sexual violence against women happening in our own communities. Sadly, the need for such initiatives remains high, as the crisis persists even 24 years later. Incidents of sexual assault, partner abuse, stalking, harassment and other gender-based crimes continue to plague Kingston and Frontenac.

There are a number of area programs, agencies, individuals, and other organizations working to end this violence. Kingston Interval House, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, the KGH Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program, and others, do a tremendous amount to help victims and survivors. And the Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee (KFACC) comprises over 30 organizations, from various sectors, that collaborate on an ongoing basis to strengthen the network of assistance available.

As a society, however, we are all hurt by woman abuse, and all of us need to be a part of the solution. KFACC encourages everyone to recognize Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and to get involved in the struggle to stop these crimes against our daughters, mothers, wives and sisters.

Financial contributions and other support for your local organizations is always welcome. As well, there are a number of events to attend, and campaigns assist with during November, and throughout the year. These include Picture An End to Violence, the White Ribbon Campaign, Neighbours, Friends and Family, and more. For more information please visit www.kfacc.org.

KFACC looks forward to the day when initiatives such as Woman Abuse Prevention Month are no longer necessary, and every person can live safely, free from domestic and sexual violence. However, this can only happen through recognizing violence against women as a problem belonging to us all, and working together as a community end it.

Kim Allen
Chair, KFACC

We at the Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee (KFACC) want to commend the Kingston General Hospital Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program, a member of our committee, for its proactive implementation of Bill 168 in relation to domestic violence.

This act amends Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act in several key ways, including a call for the protection of employees against domestic violence in the workplace in cases where employers are, or should be aware of such risks. It comes into effect on June 15, and applies to every workplace in the province, be it a business, non-profit, church, charity or association. Employers will be required to provide reasonable protection for employees, including policies and procedures to investigate and act on complaints or incidents of violence, as well as education for employees about the policy.

KGH has introduced internal training designed by the SA/DV Program to give employees an understanding of what intimate partner violence is, how it affects the workplace, how to recognize it, and how to seek help for themselves, or guide colleagues to available services.

In response to hospital employees at risk violence who come forward, KGH’s SA/DV Program and Security personnel collaborate with them to create and implement personal safety plans, diminishing the threat to their safety at the workplace.

As an organization focused on the problems of partner abuse and sexual violence in our community, KFACC applauds the province for distinguishing domestic violence as a specific threat to employee safety. The move will be helpful to efforts to prevent instances of violence against women in the workplace, such as the 2005 murder of Lori Dupont by her co-worker, who was also her former boyfriend.

On the local level, we appreciate seeing the changes in thinking and action prescribed by Bill 168, such as these initiatives from the Kingston General Hospital Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program. Their understanding of the need to address violence against women as a societal issue raises the bar for other workplaces in our community. We hope other organizations in Kingston and Frontenac will follow KGH’s example in their own policy and procedure developments arising from the recent OHSA amendment. For more information they can visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s website at www.ontla.on.ca and check out the Bills and Lawmaking section.

KFACC is an organization working to end violence against women by raising awareness of the issues, and supporting a coordinated community response to sexual violence and partner abuse. The Committee includes agencies providing services for victims and survivors of violence, their children, their family members, and agencies that work with perpetrators. Some of the sectors represented are law enforcement and justice, shelter and housing, health, and counselling support. For more information, visit www.kfacc.org.