Elpizo Counselling Services observed November as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence occurs when one person in a relationship tries to intimidate and control their partner through fear, guilt, shame or power.
On November 10 2020, Elpizo Counselling hosted a virtual panel discussion for Domestic Violence Awareness. The event was free to join and was hosted on Facebook/Instagram Live from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST.
Watch the panel discussion here:
Elpizo’s client-centred practice provides a non-judgmental and safe space for people to process crises, trauma, challenges and to rebound from adverse experiences. Furthermore, Elpizo is making every effort to raiseawareness about abuse against women and also hosted a discussion on November 25 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The day was first recognized in 1999 when the United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution, introduced by the Dominican Republic, designating November 25th as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. However, the United Nations (UN) was not the first to do this. Women in Latin America and the Caribbean have been honouring the day since 1981. The reason for the day was to mark the anniversary of three women political activists who were assassinated in the Dominican Republic on November 25th 1960 for opposing the regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo.
The UN officially recognized the date on February 7th 2000, and the United Nations General Assembly encouraged organizations around the world to raise awareness yearly on the date.
Unlike an illness or disease which groups of people have no control over, ending violence against women is a movement that everyone can bring awareness to. Tragedies like the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre, where a man killed 14 women in a Montreal university should never happen. As a society, we should bring awareness and support initiatives such as The Spotlight Initiative, so history doesn’t repeat itself.
Elpizo offers a wide range of services for women who have recently or in their past experienced violence and sexual violence. We provide comprehensive counselling and therapy solutions such as Rapid Resolution Therapy that will eliminate emotional and behavioural difficulties. These options are offered online and in-person, and with all our therapeutic options, we work with you to make sure you get the treatment you need.
The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign that takes place every year. It runs from November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day.
Launched in 2008, the UNiTE Campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world. This is done by calling on governments, civil society, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, the media and the entire UN system to join forces in addressing and fighting against the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.
COVID-19, the quarantine, lockdowns, and social isolation have negatively influenced mental health and increased risks of family violence and conflict. It is a critical time for women being affected by gender-based violence.
From November 25 to December 10, the UN’s System’s 16-Day Activism against gender-based violence is taking place under the 2020 global theme: “ Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”
The main principles of the UNiTE Campaign Advocacy are:
Honour and acknowledge women’s movements
‘Leave no one behind’
Survivor-centered
Multi-sectoral
Transformative
Elevate the voices of young feminists
The colour orange continues to be a key tool; unifying all activities
In order to support and be a part of the change, join UNiTE on The 16 Days of Activism and help speak out, unite with partners around the world, reflect on what we can all do in our own communities to eliminate violence faced by young girls, women, and the LGBTQ2 community. Start conversations on social media and become an ally by listening, believing, speaking out, intervening, and acting on what is going on and how you can help.
If you would like to learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and current UN efforts to fight violence against women, click here.
It might seem overwhelming to prepare a safety plan when you wish to leave an abusive relationship. Here are some tips for those who are thinking about starting their path to a safer place:
If it is safe to do so, always have a phone accessible and know what numbers to call for help, including friends or family and your local shelter. Know where the nearest public phone is located.
Plan and practice with your children and identify a safe place where they can go during moments of crisis, like a room with a lock or a friend’s house.
Back your car into your driveway when you park at home and ensure your gas is at a full tank. If possible, keep the driver’s door unlocked with the rest of the doors locked to allow for quick access to the vehicle.
Let trusted friends and neighbors know about your situation and develop a plan and visual signal for when you might need their help. Give them clear instructions on who you do or do not want them to contact in moments of crisis, including law enforcement.
When preparing to go to a shelter, if you can, call ahead to see what the shelter’s policies are. They can give you information on how they can help, and how to secure a space when it’s time to leave.
Have a backup plan if your partner finds out about your plan.
What to bring:
Driver’s license or Ontario Photo Card
Social insurance card
Health card
Birth certificate and children’s birth certificates
Financial information
Money and/or credit cards (in your name)
Checking and/or savings account books
Protective order, if applicable
Copies of any lease or rental agreements or the deed to your home
Car registration and insurance papers
Health and life insurance papers
Medical records for you and your children
School records
Work permits/passport/visas/immigration papers
Any legal documents, including divorce and custody papers
Marriage license
Medications and refills (if possible)
Emergency items, like food, bottles of water, and a first aid kit
Multiple changes of clothes for you and your children
Emergency money
Address book
Extra sets of house and car keys
Pictures and sentimental items
Valuable items, such as jewelry
Safe cell phone, if necessary
Numbers of your attorney, local domestic violence program or shelter, local doctor’s office and hospital, criminal legal resources, children’s school
You might want to consider keeping copies of these items at a friend’s place so it won’t raise suspicion if found by your abuser and in case your abuser decides to destroy these items as they may anticipate your plan to escape.
No matter the severity of your situation, just know that you are not overreacting or being drastic. Signs of abuse can begin to show up in small ways, so it’s important to be mindful, watchful and prepared at all costs. You are not alone. There is a world of support to help and encourage you through your circumstance.
