London Abused Women's Centre

Special Thank You to Connections Community Church

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:55:03 +0000

A special thank you to Tara and Robin of Connections Community Church for their VERY thoughtful donation of feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, facial tissue etc…

For Some Ex-Councillors, Orser has gone too far | London Free Press

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:40:40 +0000

For some ex-councillors, Orser has gone too far

NEWS ANALYSIS
By CHIP MARTIN, THE LONDON FREE PRESS

Former members of London city council say the clown prince of today’s council, Stephen Orser, went too far this week – even for him.

And they don’t mince words.

“He has smeared a lot of politicians past, present and future.”- former councillor Cheryl Miller.
“I think he should be disciplined.”- former controller Gina Barber.
“There is no excuse for this, none.”- former councillor Sandy Levin.
“This is way over the top.”- former councillor David Winninger.
“I think he has lost his ability to effectively lead.”- former councillor Megan Walker.

During council’s debate this week about whether to continue fluoridating London water, Orser placed a flyer on the desks of his colleagues.

It linked water fluoridation to Nazi Germany, claiming it was used in concentration camps to subdue inmates. The flyer featured a photo of Adolf Hitler and a swastika.

Coun. Joe Swan complained about it and Orser, a strong opponent of fluoride, offered a feeble explanation before realizing he’d gone too far and apologized. Mayor Joe Fontana immediately accepted it.

It wasn’t the first time Orser’s shoot-from-the-lip style has landed him in hot water and it was all over in a minute or two late at night on the council floor. Only this time, the consensus among politicos and the public was that he went too far.

The Ward 4 councillor has gone to ground and did not return calls Thursday, as an online petition was to be posted calling for his resignation.

Orser is apparently of the view there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

In the past, he’s promoted backyard chickens, full-time councillors, blank cheques for police and fire departments, identifying where sex offenders live, and has defended his heavy spending on umbrellas and other trinkets from his council office.

An Anglican priest accused him of muzzling him during a social media debate and a woman accused him of assault (a charge later withdrawn).

The posting of a racy song on his Facebook page led to a requirement all council members take sensitivity training. Orser claimed “The Pussycat Song” was posted by a female friend who had access to his page.

He’s twice been elected in his centre-east ward. “His antics have become more and more outrageous over time,” said Barber. “I think he should be disciplined.”

Barber said an integrity commissioner is needed at city hall to deal with councillors whose behaviour goes too far.

Levin said he hopes Ward 4 voters will realize Orser is becoming ineffective. “Is this the kind of representation they want at city hall?” he asked.

Winninger, who lost a grandparent in a Nazi camp, said Orser deserves condemnation. “I think he needs to give some undertakings (promises) to his fellow councillors and the public that in the future we’re not going to see a repeat of this.”

Orser has become an embarrassment for the current council, where decorum, says Miller, is “appalling.”

From the vantage point of someone who’s covered council and committees since the 1970s, Miller is right. It’s never been so bad.

“What kind of message is he sending to our young people who see politicians as less than honourable?” Miller asks. She said Orser needs sensitivity training to understand how offensive he’s been.

E-mail chip.martin@sunmedia.ca, or follow Chipatlfpress on Twitter.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/05/03/19713946.html

CAW pushes for national auto policy | London Community News

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:23:19 +0000

CAW pushes for national auto policy

By Mallory Clarkson/London Community News/Twitter: @MalloryClarkson

The Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union is calling on the government to defend good jobs everywhere by creating a national auto policy.

At a meeting held at the CAW Local 27 Hall Tuesday evening (May 1), Bill Murnighan, a research director with the union, told the packed room that the federal and provincial governments need to do their part to help the auto manufacturing sector. He noted more than 10,000 jobs were lost in the greater London area over the past five years.

“Protecting those jobs and securing the industry would help grow the economy and help the future of London,” Murnighan said, adding having a national policy like that wouldn’t be unique to Canada.

“Countries around the world look at high value added sectors like the auto industry and say, ‘What policies, what measures should we put in place, (including) trade and tax and everything else to support that industry’?” he said, adding this was the eighth stop on the policy’s campaign circuit. “We’ve been asking for it and insisting on it for a long time and we see the consequences of not having it.”

There are 10 points on the CAW’s proposed policy program, including: Implement an integrated national auto policy, negotiate Canadian Manufacturing footprint commitments, a consistent and transparent auto investment program, public minority equity shares in original equipment manufacturers (OEM), investigate possibility of building a Canadian OEM, rethink automotive trade policy, intervene to reduce the Canadian dollar, building a green auto industry, a buy-Canadian vehicle procurement strategy, and investing in human and physical infrastructure.

In a document released by the CAW called Re-thinking Canada’s Auto Industry, it stated those policies, if implemented, would “ensure Canada maintains a fair share of the decent jobs and prosperity generated by our own purchases of motor vehicles.”

Murnighan said that list came from examples of best practices from other countries.

“Those points have been tried and are in place in economies around the world from Europe, Germany, Brazil, Japan, etc.,” he said. “Places that have strong auto industries, have smart policies, too.”

The auto industry, Murnighan said, isn’t just important for the London region, but for the province and country as well. He said according to figures released by the CAW, there are more than 100,000 direct jobs in the national sector that creates $2 billion in taxes.

“These are big figures and these kind of good jobs, we say, are the backbone of the economy,” he said. “That’s why our governments really need to step up.”

After hearing from Murnighan, union members listened to a community panel, consisting of Glen Pearson, co-director of the London Food Bank and a former MP, Megan Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, and Sharon Lupton with the London and Middlesex United Way.

Walker said good job losses impact the community in an immeasurable way. She stressed the staff at the centre are starting to hear about it every day.

“We need to start focusing on all levels of government on job creation,” she said, adding she’s tired of politicians deflecting accountability, saying it doesn’t fall within their jurisdictions.

“This is a people affair and if they don’t get their shit together and start investing in policies and jobs in these communities that we live in, we’re going to start to see women and children living on the streets,” she said.

Pearson added it’s not enough to go after government, but citizens must take some responsibility, too.

Pearson described a project he’s currently working on with a number of citizens and businesses about one way London can encourage good job growth: By demanding a living wage, which is a base point the community works out as a minimum of what it’s residents should be paid.

“Let’s figure out what that is and the next time a Caterpillar comes to town and says we want to pay minimum wage, we say, ‘The 401 is close by, just keep right on going’,” he said. “That’s not a popular thing to say because we sell ourselves like streetwalkers because we want to keep corporations coming here because we’re told it’s so desperate.

“We’re not that kind of community, we don’t parade our wears just so you can come along and cheat us.”

The CAW is asking the community to sign the good job pledge, backing its 10-point policy program. After sharing their message and building momentum, Murnighan said the CAW will be talking with both federal and provincial caucuses about it.

“We’ll just keep bringing the argument through to all parties, to everyone who will listen, demonstrating and hopefully giving them some guidance on what they need to do,” he said.

London Fanshawe NDP MP Irene Mathyssen said there are some important things included in the policy program, namely trade reciprocity. She said when Canada enters into a major agreement, the country loses its exporting abilities and imports increase.

“They’ve got to recognize the fact that their agenda isn’t the agenda that will foster good and solid communities, and economic growth,” she said.

London West Conservative MP Ed Holder, on the other hand, said the reigning federal government is creating an environment where job creators can prosper. But, he stressed, the government is not the job creator.

“The sustainable, long-term future jobs will be ones that will be created by private industry and we feel quite strongly about that as a government,” he said. “If the CAW wants to put money where it’s passion for this issue is, then far be it for anyone to prevent them from making that kind of investment.”

Holder stressed without a business plan included in the 10-point strategy, the proposed policy program is “just talking about talking.”

For more information on the strategy, visit www.rethinktheeconomy.ca.

http://www.londoncommunitynews.com/2012/05/caw-pushes-for-national-auto-policy/

Awards recognize work in aiding crime victims | London Free Press

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:35:33 +0000

Awards recognize work in aiding crime victims

HONOURS: Londoners among those saluted by province

By FREE PRESS STAFF

A Londoner and a local group that helps crime victims rebuild their lives were honoured Tuesday by the province.

Mohammed Baobaid, founder of the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, and the London Abused Women’s Centre received Victim Services Award of Distinction at Queen’s Park.

In all, 13 people and three groups were honoured for helping crime victims and their families through advocacy or front-line service.

For 12 years, Baobaid has worked on behalf of victims to raise awareness of domestic violence in Muslim communities in Canada.

Serving more than 600 abused women a year, the London Abused Women’s Centre provides counselling, advocacy and support to women and girls abused by their partners.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/04/24/19674026.html#print

Londoners win Victims Services Award of Distinction | Metro News London

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:34:33 +0000

Londoners win Victims Services Award of Distinction

Londoners dedicated to the fight for victims’ rights have earned honours in the attorney general’s 2012 Victim Services Awards of Distinction.

Dr. Mohammed Baobaid, executive director and founder of the Muslim Resource Centre For Social Support and Integration, was recognized for raising awareness about domestic violence in Canada’s Muslim communities. He recently started the Family Honour Project to challenge beliefs surrounding violence against women.

The London Abused Women’s Centre was also recognized for its support and advocacy on behalf of women abused by intimate partners, those facing workplace harassment and those in the sex industry.

Angela Mullins/Metro

Londoners Recognized for Work with Victims of Crime | AM980

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:29:08 +0000

It’s a banner day for the Forest City as the province recognized the 2012 Victim Services Awards of Distinction.

The London Abused Women’s Centre along with Dr. Mohammed Baobaid, Executive Director of the Muslim Resource Centre For Social Support and Integration were two of the 13 award winners across the province.

Megan Walker, Executive Director at the Women’s Centre said it shows the dedication of Londoners.

“It’s a great day for London and it speaks volumes to the work we do to support victims of crime,” Walker said.

Awards were presented at Queen’s Park by the Attorney General this morning.

For a full list of the recipients, check out the list here. http://bit.ly/JuV4Oa

http://www.am980.ca/channels/news/local/Story.aspx?ID=1692317

Recipients Of The 2012 Victim Services Awards Of Distinction

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:21:06 +0000

April 24, 2012 10:25 AM

McGuinty Government Recognizes 2012 Victim Services Awards Of Distinction

Ontario honoured those whose work helps victims of crime rebuild their lives in a ceremony at Queen’s Park today.

This year’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction honoured 13 individuals and three organizations for their exceptional dedication and commitment to helping victims of crime and their families, either through advocacy or the delivery of front-line services. Many of the recipients are themselves survivors of violent crime or have been touched by crime at some point in their lives.

This year’s recipients include:

http://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2012/04/recipients-of-the-2012-victim-services-awards-of-distinction.html

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The London Abused Women’s Centre is proud to announce
that we are one of the recipients!

Did I Do Something Wrong?

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:51:21 +0000

Did I Do Something Wrong?

It’s not that I don’t feel equal; it’s that I am NOT equal. Why? Because, number one: I am a woman and number two: I am a lesbian.

Maybe you are wondering how I can feel equal even though I am not.

Well, I feel equal because I make myself feel equal. I am constantly aware of my surroundings to be sure that I am in an environment where I will be accepted for who I am.

Every once in a while there is a moment of sheer and utter panic when for that brief moment I remember that I am not just as equal as…let’s say, my brother (who is a 27 year old male who works for the Canadian Armed Forces and is in a committed heterosexual relationship). During that moment of panic I think things like “why? why can’t I be taken seriously when I go to bring my car to the shop to get fixed…cause believe it or not, I do know what I am taking about” … “why can’t my upcoming wedding be treated exactly like my brother’s wedding”… “Why is it ok for you to objectify me as if I am not human like you are, sir?”

As a woman, sometimes I feel completely inadequate. We are expected to make incredible sacrifices and compromises that men are never expected to make. You want examples? Well, the most obvious is being/ getting pregnant OR having your period…ESPECIALLY when a man will say “oh it’s her time of the month, that is why she is acting that way”. Walking down the street without fear of being violated, even verbally, is a luxury most men take for granted.

I have been talked to TWICE on the street in the past month from MEN I don’t even know. I guess they were assuming it would be ok to just start a conversation with me or ask me if I needed help, to which I respond “do I look like I am struggling to clean ½ an inch of snow off my car? Screw off”. I answered like that because two days before while waiting at the gas station to fill my car tires with air, the man who was just finishing up said “wow, you are beautiful, you deserve to marry a great man”. At that point I just smiled and then began doing what I went to the gas station to do. In my head I wanted to yell…and if I wasn’t beautiful…I wouldn’t deserve it? What the hell does “Deserve” mean anyways…did I do something wrong by be born with a vagina? A Man? What if I wanted to marry a woman?

This…brings me to my number two. I am a lesbian. At least once a day I see an article from somewhere that has to do with gay marriage or about a teenager and how he/she is dealing with coming out. Also, at least once a day I have to be fully aware that a person I may speak with could have a “problem” with me being gay.

I am getting married this fall to my partner and every other day or so we struggle with how hard it is in a “straight” world for a couple of lesbian women to get married. We went to an open house last weekend at our wedding venue. We had to wear a little “Hello my name is” tag with our name and wedding date written on it. I swear I caught at least 5 different people looking at our name tags, and then us, and then our name tags as if they were trying to understand or make sense of what they were seeing. We should have worn big flashy signs as hats that said “LESBIANS”.

I doubt this (Equality) will change in my life time. But, I feel that if I am to write something like this maybe people will watch what they say, how they act and how they treat people. I know I am not equal, but I will do whatever I can to keep myself feeling like I am.

- Jen – London, Ontario

Ashley Judd Fights Degrading Media Coverage | CBC News

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:38:01 +0000

Ashley Judd fights ‘degrading’ media coverage

Speculation about her appearance is misogynistic, she says

CBC News

Posted: Apr 10, 2012 11:29 AM ET

Actress Ashley Judd is lashing out at the tabloid media and celebrity bloggers, after enduring weeks of online speculation over her appearance.

In a column in the Daily Beast, Judd describes what she calls the “misogynistic assault on all women” that results when the appearance of celebrities is picked apart on air and on the internet.

The complaints stemmed from a March appearance by the 43-year-old actress while she was promoting her new series Missing, in which she plays a mother searching for her son.

After those appearances, she was variously described as having gained weight, having aged badly or having had plastic surgery, with some media outlets consulting with surgeons to discuss how much work she has had done.

Judd says she had been on medication that made her face puffy, though she did not specify what illness she was battling, in her long essay in the Daily Beast.

She claimed that she has learned, as an actress and activist, not to pay attention to media speculation, but felt she had to address the coverage because it was so degrading.

“I choose to address it because the conversation was pointedly nasty, gendered, and misogynistic and embodies what all girls and women in our culture, to a greater or lesser degree, endure every day, in ways both outrageous and subtle,” Judd wrote.

“The assault on our body image, the hypersexualization of girls and women and subsequent degradation of our sexuality as we walk through the decades, and the general incessant objectification is what this conversation allegedly about my face is really about.”

She also was critical of viewer comments made after an episode ofMissing in which her character is up for hours and under extreme stress. Viewer remarks ranged from “What the f*** did she do to her face?” to cautionary gloating, “Ladies, look at the work!”

She addresses the absurd suggestion that she’s “messed up” just because “my 2012 face looks different than it did when I filmed Double Jeopardy in 1998.”

Judd was particularly critical of women who speculated about her, saying they are supporting a culture in which women are judged solely on appearance and their accomplishments are minimized.

Judd’s cri de coeur has re-ignited debate through the internet and social media about the impossible standards of youth and beauty set by popular culture and the unwinnable war aging celebrities face over their appearance.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/04/10/ashley-judd-daily-beast.html

Hundreds Expected to Attend London Abused Women’s Centre Event | Metro News

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:04:32 +0000

Organizers expect more than 600 people will commence in Victoria Park Friday for the 3rd Annual CEO/Community Leaders Challenge.

The public meeting, hosted by the London Abused Women’s Centre, will coincide with the 20th Annual Runners Choice 5K Run & 2.5K Fun Run/Walk & Kiddie Trot.

A gathering has been planned for 9:45 a.m. at the park, with a ceremony taking place at 10:05 a.m.

The goal of the event is to bring together business and political leaders who are committed to ending violence against women.

Confirmed participants include London Police Chief Brad Duncan, City Councilor Matt Brown, Ian Campbell of FC London soccer team, as well as Chris Bentley, London West Member of Provincial Parliament and the Minister of Energy.

http://metronews.ca/news/62769/more-than-600-expected-to-take-part-in-race-aiding-london-abused-womens-centre/

Running in Support of LAWC | London Community News

admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:55:58 +0000

Running in support of LAWC

Photo by Mike Maloney/London Community News/Twitter:mdmaloneyphoto

The heart of London made the perfect backdrop for the 2012 Downtown 2.5 and 5 km Runs in Support of the London Abused Women’s Centre.

More than 700 runners took advantage near perfect conditions for the runs, which started and ended in Victoria Park after winding through the streets of downtown London.

The younger set kicked off the morning festivities with a fun run down Clarence Street from Dufferin. Next up, a small but eager group of London’s leaders made a one lap trek around Victoria Park as part of the CEO Challenge before the 2.5 race hit the streets at 10 a.m.

First to the wire in the 2.5 km race was Aiden Barry of St. Thomas, covering the distance in 9:34.45 followed closely by Lakeside’s Elizabeth Aarts in a time of 9:55.55.

In the feature 5 km event, it was a pair of London residents, Kyle O’Neil and Adam Stacey leading the pack to the finish line with times of 15:16.25 and 15:21.70 respectively while Floris Willeboordse of the Netherlands coming in third at 15:28.70

This was second event in the 2012 edition of the London Honda Race Series. The next stop for the series will be on June 22 at TD Waterhouse Stadium where it will be the Go The Distance 8 km and 3 km Fun Run/Walk.

http://www.londoncommunitynews.com/2012/04/running-in-support-of-london-abused-womens-centre/

CHOIX et LÉGALISATION ne devraient pas être synonymes

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:38:54 +0000

Prostitution – CHOIX et LÉGALISATION ne devraient pas être synonymes
Megan Walker, London Abused Women’s Centre

Il n’y a pas pire fausse croyance que l’idée qu’un bordel est synonyme de sécurité pour les femmes prostituées. Le niveau de risque que vivent les femmes prostituées dans un bordel est tout aussi élevé que celui vécu par les femmes prostituées dans la rue, celles qui vont continuer à faire face à des sanctions pénales, malgré la nouvelle décision du tribunal.

Le London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) n’appuie pas la recommandation de légaliser les bordels annoncée lundi dernier par la Cour d’appel de l’Ontario, alors même qu’elle continue à criminaliser toute sollicitation par les femmes de la rue.

Si les tribunaux et la société ont réellement à cœur la sécurité des femmes prostituées, ils doivent adopter le modèle nordique, qui vise plutôt une élimination de la demande d’achat de sexe. Ce modèle a l’avantage de tenir légalement responsables de leurs actes les prostitueurs, véritables responsables de la prostitution. Il dépénalise les actions des femmes prostituées et leur propose une stratégie de sortie.

Il ne s’agit pas d’une solution idéaliste ou illusoire. Beaucoup d’éléments probants issus de Suède et de Norvège témoignent de l’efficacité du modèle nordique. À ces preuves s’ajoutent d’autres données, issues des pays où la prostitution a été légalisée, qui démontrent une hausse des risques pour les femmes et une augmentation de la prostitution et de la traite. Le seul véritable moyen de protéger ces femmes consiste donc à adopter le modèle nordique de dissuasion des acheteurs.

Depuis la publication de la décision rendue en appel, on nous a opposé l’argument selon lequel la prostitution devrait être légalisée parce qu’elle reflète le choix des femmes d’entrer dans cette industrie. Cette opinion est partagée non seulement par certains membres du public, mais étrangement par certains organismes féministes ainsi.

Le droit des femmes au libre choix est une valeur que soutient le London Abused Women’s Centre. Chaque femme victime de violence qui se présente au LAWC pour chercher une défense de ses droits, du soutien ou du counselling est considérée comme l’experte de sa propre vie. C’est elle qui sait ce qui est dans son intérêt et dans celui de ses enfants. Le LAWC offre aux femmes des choix, il les renseigne sur les conséquences qu’auront ces choix et il appuie les femmes, quel que soit leur choix. Surtout, les femmes se voient offrir un plan de sécurité.

Il y a des moments où, malgré une quantité incroyable de violences physiques, affectives, sexuelles et psychologiques, ainsi que de menaces, d’isolement forcé et de harcèlement, des femmes victimes de violence choisissent de rester avec leur agresseur. Elles peuvent le faire parce qu’elles ont peur et qu’elles croient que si elles partaient, l’agresseur les tuerait ou tuerait leurs enfants. C’est un choix terrible… rester et être violentée ou partir au risque de sa vie.

Dans d’autres situations, les femmes victimes de violence choisissent de rester faute de pouvoir payer un avocat. Même avec de l’aide juridique, il est très difficile de trouver aujourd’hui un-e avocat-e en droit de la famille. Elles peuvent aussi rester faute d’endroit où aller. Même avec la priorité accordée aux femmes victimes de violence, la liste d’attente pour un logement à prix abordable est longue de plus d’un an à London. En outre, les femmes violentées peuvent rester faute de ressources financières. Les prestations du programme Ontario au travail ne permettent pas à une femme de subvenir adéquatement aux besoins de ses enfants. Bref, il y a une foule de raisons pour lesquelles les femmes peuvent choisir de rester.

Le projet de légalisation des bordels équivaut à légaliser une forme de violence faite aux femmes. Que les femmes choisissent ou non d’entrer dans la prostitution, elles y sont souvent confrontées au même type de violence et de maltraitance que connaissent tant de femmes dans leurs relations intimes. Ce projet équivaut à sanctionner un système d’agression, de séquestration, d’agression sexuelle, de viol et plus encore. C’est pourquoi la communauté féministe et le public ne devraient pas l’appuyer.

Il existe des différences entre les femmes violentées par leur partenaire et les femmes prostituées. C’est en moyenne à 12 ans que les femmes entrent dans l’industrie du sexe. La plupart des femmes prostituées ont été agressées sexuellement dans l’enfance, et certaines statistiques indiquent que jusqu’à 85% d’entre elles ont été victimes de violence. Elles sont nombreuses à éprouver des problèmes de toxicomanie. Certaines femmes indiquent être devenues narco-dépendantes comme moyen de faire face à la violence sexuelle qui caractérise l’industrie, tandis que d’autres disent y être entrées pour financer leur consommation de drogues. Enfin, certaines deviennent prostituées parce que la société renforce la notion que les femmes sont des objets à acheter et à vendre : elles ont peu d’estime de soi, du fait d’avoir été traitées de cette façon depuis leur enfance. On ne les considère que comme des orifices destinés à satisfaire les désirs sexuels des hommes.

Qu’elles soient maltraitées par un partenaire intime ou par un prostitueur, ces femmes sont maltraitées. Pour de nombreuses femmes, les choix qu’elles font de rester avec un agresseur ou d’entrer ou sortir de l’industrie du sexe sont faits dans le contexte de tentatives de survivre dans un monde dominé par les hommes. Il nous faut comprendre ce qu’il y aurait d’hypocrite à affirmer, d’une part, un soutien aux choix des femmes quand elles sont maltraitées par leurs partenaires intimes, ce que nous reconnaissons comme une infraction pénale, tout en affirmant d’autre part un soutien aux choix des femmes prostituées lorsqu’elles sont violentées par des proxénètes et clients, mais en endossant une légalisation des bordels.

Cela est tout simplement illogique.

Nous devons tenir criminellement responsables de leurs actes les auteurs de l’ensemble des formes de violence et de maltraitance anti-femmes, tout en offrant à celles-ci les appuis nécessaire pour leur permettre de vivre à l’abri de la violence. Il est temps de déplacer la perspective : plutôt que d’interpeller les femmes sur des choix qu’elles sont forcées de faire, il est temps de demander aux hommes pourquoi ils font le choix d’acheter des femmes pour le sexe. Pourquoi ils choisissent de maltraiter des femmes? Pourquoi des hommes qui ont une partenaire et des enfants à la maison choisissent de violenter sexuellement et physiquement une femme, puis de la rejeter comme un emballage de bonbon?

Ce n’est pas les choix que posent les femmes qui multiplient la violence.

C’est le choix que posent des hommes.

Version originale : “Choice Should Not Equal Legalization” http://lawc.on.ca/blogmar30/
Traduction : Martin Dufresne

Choice Should Not Equal Legalization

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:10:56 +0000

CHOICE SHOULD NOT EQUAL LEGALIZATION

Megan Walker

There is no greater false belief than the idea that a brothel means safety for prostituted women. The level of danger for prostituted women in a brothel is just as great as the multitude of dangers prostituted women face on the street who will continue to face criminal sanctions despite the court’s new decision.

The London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) does not support the Ontario Court of Appeal decision that legalizes brothels while continuing to charge women who are on the streets.

If the courts and society are indeed concerned about the safety of prostituted women they must adopt the Nordic Model which focuses on eliminating the demand to purchase sex. The model holds Johns, the true culprits in prostitution, legally responsible for their actions in buying women. It decriminalizes the actions of prostituted women and offers them an exit strategy.

This is no pie in the sky dream. There is an abundance of evidence from Sweden and Norway to support the effectiveness of the Nordic Model. Coupled with even more evidence from countries where prostitution is legal that shows an increased danger for women and an increase in both prostitution and trafficking, the only true way to protect women is to adopt the Nordic Model.

Since the release of the Court of Appeal decision, we have encountered the argument that prostitution should be legalized because it is a woman’s choice to enter the industry. This view is shared not only by some members of the public, but strangely by some feminist agencies as well.

The right for women to choose is something the London Abused Women’s Centre supports. Every abused woman who comes to LAWC for advocacy, support and counselling is an expert in her own life. She knows what’s in her own and her children’s best interests. LAWC provides women with choices. LAWC also provides women with the impact those choices will have. Whatever choice women make is supported by LAWC. Most importantly, women are provided with a safety plan.

There are times when despite incredible physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse, threats, isolation and harassment, abused women choose to stay with their abuser. They may do so in fear and in the belief that should they leave, her abuser will kill her and/or her children. The choice is horrendous . . . stay and be abused or leave and face death.

In other cases, abused women choose to stay because they have no money for a lawyer. Even a family law lawyer through legal aid is difficult to find. She may stay because she has no place else to go. The special priority status waiting list for abused women for affordable housing is more than a year for London. Abused women may stay because they have no financial resources. The money from Ontario Works is insufficient for a woman to adequately provide for her children. There are many reasons why women may choose to stay.

The legislation to legalize brothels is legalizing woman abuse. Prostituted women whether they choose to enter prostitution or not often face the same type of violence and abuse as women in intimate relationships. The legislation condones assault, forcible confinement, sexual assault, rape and more. That’s why the feminist community and public should not support it.

There are differences between women abused by their partners and prostituted women. The average age of women who enter the sex industry is 12. Most prostituted women have a background of childhood sexual assault with some statistics indicating as many as 85% have been abused. Many have substance abuse issues. Some women indicate they have become addicted as a way to cope with the sexual abuse they suffer in the industry while others say they entered the industry to support their addiction issues. And, some become prostituted women because society reinforces the concept that women are objects to be bought and sold, they have little self-worth because they have been treated that way since they were very young. Women are considered no more than orifices to satisfy the sexual desires of men.

Whether abused by an intimate partner or John, these women are abused. For many women, the choices they make to either stay with an abuser or enter and leave the sex industry are made from a place of attempting to survive in a male dominated world. We must understand the hypocrisy of saying on one hand we support the choices women make when they are being abused by their intimate partners and accepting woman abuse as a criminal offence, while on the other hand supporting the choices prostituted women make in being abused by pimps and Johns but believing brothels should be legalized.

It simply doesn’t make sense.

We need to hold abusers of all forms of violence and abuse against women criminally responsible for their actions while providing women with the supports needed to live their lives free from violence. It is time to shift the focus from asking women about the choices they are forced to make, to asking men why they choose to buy women for sex. Why do men choose to abuse women? Why do men with partners and children at home choose to sexually and physically abuse a woman and then throw her away like a wrapper on a chocolate bar?

It’s not the women’s choices that make abuse more prevalent.

It’s what men choose to do.

MP Joy Smith Alarmed by Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling on Prostitution

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:33:39 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2012
Ottawa, ON

Statement

MP Joy Smith Alarmed by Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling on Prostitution

“Monday’s ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal to strike down the ban on brothels and living off the avails of prostitution is alarming. The government of Canada recognizes, as do many women’s’ and First Nations’ organizations, that prostitution is harmful to communities, women and vulnerable persons. I understand the Minister of Justice is reviewing the government’s legal options going forward.”

“Prostitution creates and facilitates sexual exploitation and violence towards women and youth. I am especially concerned with the Ontario appeal court decision to legalize brothels. In their ruling, the judges acknowledged that human trafficking and child exploitation may tragically increase through the operation of brothels. The judges also noted testimony from police officers that the brothel provisions in the Criminal Code are critical in human trafficking investigations. I am dismayed that the Ontario appeal court chose not to retain provisions that are clearly important in the fight against domestic sex trafficking.”

“Legalizing brothels and the move towards the outright legalization of prostitution in Canada will inevitably lead to increased sex trafficking and child exploitation. The UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children [signed and ratified by 117 countries] explicitly recognizes that the majority of victims of trafficking, women and children, are trafficked for the purpose of prostitution. Legal brothels will provide organized crime, pimps, and human traffickers with the legal means to exploit women and youth.”

“Counties that have legalized prostitution have seen an increase in human trafficking. A study by Scottish Parliament found that the legalization and regulation of prostitution led to a dramatic increase in the involvement of organized crime in the sex industry, in child prostitution, in the number of foreign women and girls trafficked into the region, and clear indications of a general increase in violence against women.”

“Further, legal brothels do not provide a safer venue for prostitutes. A 2006 study reviewing the links between prostitution and sex trafficking found that in the Netherlands, which has legalized prostitution and brothels, 60% of prostituted women suffered physical assaults, 70% experienced verbal threats of physical assaults, 40% experienced sexual violence and 40% had been forced into prostitution or sexual abuse by acquaintances. It is telling that in 2007, the city of Amsterdam announced plans to shut down one third of its brothels to take back control of the legalized and regulated sex trade from organized crime, pimps, and human traffickers.”

“I want to note that in its ruling, the Ontario Court of Appeal stated that ‘it remains open to Parliament to respond with new legislation that complies with the requirements of the Charter.’ Over the past few years, I have received petitions from tens of thousands of Canadians calling for Canada to adopt the Nordic model of prostitution. This approach recognizes that prostitution is a form of violence against women and vulnerable people. As such, the Nordic model focuses criminal sanctions on the purchasers of sex and not prostitutes. It also provides programs and support for prostituted women who wish to escape the sex trade.”

“As a Member of Parliament, I will continue to advocate for the protection of women from the harms caused by prostitution and human trafficking. As the discussion on prostitution moves forward, it is essential that we listen to the voices of women who have been exploited through a system that dehumanizes and degrades humans and reduces them to a commodity to be bought and sold.”

“I am also pleased by the progress of my Private Member’s Bill C-310, which will be debated on Friday, March 30, 2011 at 3^rd Reading in the House of Commons. This legislation is a vital tool which will help protect vulnerable women and children and will strengthen the ability of Crown attorneys to prosecute human trafficking offences.”

Joy Smith, B.Ed., M.Ed,
Member of Parliament
Kildonan – St. Paul
www.joysmith.ca

Canadian organizations who have expressed opposition to legalizing prostitution:

Sex Trade 101
EVE (formerly Exploited Voices now Educating)
Walk With Me
[free-them]
Aboriginal Women’s Action Network (AWAN)
Asian Women Coalition Ending Prostitution (AWCEP)
South Asian Women Against Male Violence (SAWAMV)
London Abused Women’s Centre
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter
Resist Exploitation Embrace Dignity (REED)
Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centers (CASAC)
Concertation des luttes contre l’exploitation sexuelle
Defend Dignity
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Click HERE to read the Backgrounder – Prostitution & Nordic Model

Violence Against Women – The Communications Evolution Report

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:31:56 +0000

Click here for the:
Violence Against Women
The Communications Evolution Report
Avon Foundation for Women

Londoner’s work on abuse against women gets attention in Washington | Metro News London

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:46 +0000

Londoner’s work on abuse against women gets attention in Washington

Angela Mullins – Metro London

Leaders of London’s Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign used to dream about the effort being picked up by cities across the country.

Now, they’ve upped the ante.

“There’s hope this will go across the world,” said Megan Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre.

The dream very well could become reality after this week’s World Conference of Women’s Shelters in Washington, D.C.

Shine the Light, which marked its second year in November, is one of five campaigns around the globe nominated for a Breaking the Silence award from the Avon Foundation for Women.

The award will be handed out Tuesday during a conference luncheon. Other nominees include similar campaigns led by organizations from as far away as Rwanda.

While being crowned the winner will be an achievement, simply being nominated goes a long way toward highlighting the initiative. There literally will be thousands of eyes cast on Shine the Light and other local efforts to end abuse, Walker said.

Plus, she said, Shine the Light has already made at least one critical difference: shifting victims’ feelings of “blame and shame” onto the shoulders of abusers.

“We had a 125 per cent increase in service demands during November,” Walker said. “We accomplished our goal.”

http://www.metronews.ca/london/local/article/1110877–londoner-s-work-on-abuse-against-women-gets-attention-in-washington

LAWC’s Shine The Light Campaign Goes International | AM980

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:52:03 +0000

LAWC’s ‘Shine the Light’ Campaign Goes International

AM980 News

2/21/2012

The spotlight is on the London Abused Women’s Centre for its Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign.

The campaign has been recognized as one of the best communication’s campaigns in the world.

At the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, the Avon Foundation for Women is recognizing LAWC’s campaign among one of the five best globally in one of its categories recognizing best practices from around the world on preventing violence against women.

“We are beyond thrilled at even just being a finalist for this prestigious award,” said London Abused Women’s Centre executive director Megan Walker. “We are thrilled because of all the hard work the agency has put into this campaign but more than that, we are thrilled for London. It is the community that has embraced the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign. The city of London, sponsors, businesses and individuals have all turned the city purple and it is making an impact on woman abuse awareness.”

Avon will present four awards to organizations that have produced exemplary communications materials or campaigns in the categories of Storytelling, Innovation, Breaking the Silence, and Global Excellence.

The Shine the Light campaign is only in its second year, co-coordinators are hopeful it will grow provincially and nationally in Canada.

The campaign is one of five finalists in the Avon Communications Award: Speaking out about Violence in Against Women in the category of Breaking the Silence. The Breaking the Silence Award recognizes communication materials that encourages witnesses or community members to step in and speak out against violence against women.

With the community answering the call to participate, The Shine the Light campaign staged its second annual campaign last November resulting in a 125% increase in service demands, a clear indicator the message is reaching those it needed to reach.

“The success of the campaign is all about the community’s involvement in joining LAWC in turning the city purple,” Walker said. “It raised awareness about the issue of woman abuse sending a message to abused women that the shame and blame they may feel does not belong to them but belongs to those who abuse them. It sends a message to abused women that there are community services available to assist them in living their lives free from violence and abuse.”

The winner will be presented with the award by Reese Witherspoon at the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters conference in Washington on February 28.

http://www.am980.ca/channels/news/local/Story.aspx?ID=1657723

Hitchcockian Ballet | London Free Press

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Hitchcockian ballet

VIOLENCE: NEW DANCE PIECE COMING TO LONDON CROSSES ALL SORTS OF BOUNDARIES

By JOE BELANGER, THE LONDON FREE PRESS

A “powerful,” “provocative” and critically acclaimed new ballet about domestic violence is coming to London.

Ghosts of Violence, presented by the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, will make its debut here Wednesday at Paul Davenport Theatre at the University of Western Ontario.

First performed a year ago at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa — provoking “tears” of sadness and joy in the audience, according to reviews — Ghosts of Violence has changed and saved lives, says one of London’s leading advocates to end violence against women.

“It is an incredibly powerful ballet and it takes the audience on a journey, through all the emotions — from sadness and anger to grief, then joy and hope,” said Megan Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre.

Walker saw the ballet in Ottawa.

“I can tell you there was hardly a dry eye in the house. There were people who were inspired to take action. It’s about honouring the lives of women who were killed by the men who were supposed to love them. You become so emotional watching it, not just because of the ballet, but (also) the music. It’s just wonderful.”

The company’s artistic director and choreographer, Igor Dobrovolskiy, a native of Ukraine who has lived in Canada for more than a decade, said it was a collaborative effort by a number of people to create the show, which was initially developed as an eight-minute ballet for a fundraiser for the New Brunswick Silent Witness Project, a Canadian chapter of the North American-wide campaign “to raise awareness of domestic homicide and its victims.”

He was approached to expand it into a full ballet.

“It was interesting as a challenge, but also dangerous because of the subject,” Dobrovolskiy said. “It’s a sensitive topic. You can either shed some light on a dark subject, or you might just shock people. But I’m a son, a brother, a husband and a father and I felt there was much more to say about these women, their lives and this devastating social problem that crosses all boundaries.”

Working with award-winning Canadian playwright and dramaturge Sharon Pollock, and many other talented people, Dobrovolskiy said he didn’t want to tell just one story, so he created a ballet around four couples.

“I decided that to only follow one narrative would limit the scope of the work,” he said. “This problem is multi-layered and I wanted to reveal that in the ballet.”

To that effect, the four scenarios have characters from a variety of age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. However, Dobrovolskiy said his first consideration was to ensure the artistic integrity of the work because “when the art works, the message is clear.

Dobrovolskiy said he didn’t want to use “traditional” ballet music and opted to use the music of Russian composer Alfred Schnittke, along with that of two other Russians, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff.

“Schnittke’s music sounds classical, but it’s like it is broken and it sounds violent,” said Dobrovolskiy. “You can hear the horror growing, not unlike the music in Alfred Hitchcock’s movies. It provokes images and situations. Every story is different, but the ending is always the same.”

New York projection designer and filmmaker Adam Larsen was also tapped to add a cinematic dimension to the piece, using five screens with images shot by Larsen that mirror the aggression on stage. Dobrovolskiy said he’s been overwhelmed by the reaction of audiences, even overcome with emotion watching the show he created.

“It’s provocative,” Dobrovolskiy said. “I never expected to create something with this result. We just try to make the audience feel what the victim feels and to realize what happens to them. And if we can save just one life with this show, it is worth it. But we can do better. I don’t believe you can have a perfect world, but you can minimize the darkness in it.”

The ending of the show is neither tragic or sad, Dobrovolskiy said.

“After all the darkness and tears you will see hope.”

E-mail joe.belanger@sunmedia.ca, or follow JoeBatLFPress on Twitter.

— — —

IF YOU GO

What: Ghosts of Violence, a new ballet from the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada presented by artistic director and choreographer Igor Dobrovolskiy.

Where: Paul Davenport Theatre, Western University.

When: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $45 adults, $38 seniors, $25 students available online at www.grandtheatre.com,by phone at 519-672-8800 or 800-265-1593, or in person at the Grand Theatre box office, 471 Richmond St.

http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/stage/2012/02/21/19405086.html#.T0PgL5ooUiw.facebook

Centre Earns Spot as Finalist | London Free Press

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:11:39 +0000

Centre earns spot as finalist

By ADAM WIGHTMAN, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS

The London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) is one of five finalists for the Breaking the Silence award, given to an organization that puts out a message encouraging community members to speak out against violence toward women.

It’s one of the four award categories of the Avon Communications International Awards, Speaking Out About Violence Against Women, which will be presented by celebrity Reese Witherspoon at the second World Conference of Women’s Shelters, in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 28.

LAWC was nominated for its Shine the Light on Woman Abuse Campaign, which had its second iteration last November. It was a drive to get Londoners to wear or decorate their property with purple for the month, to raise awareness of violence against women.

Megan Walker, executive director of LAWC, said she’s thrilled and said it shows how successful the campaign was.

“(A lot of businesses) and individual homes were decorated with purple lights—it was just a phenomenal show of support for abused women.”

It’s a prestigious award, Walker said, with the government of Australia being another finalist. So regardless of whether LAWC wins, Londoners have already accomplished a great deal, she said.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/02/20/19403011.html

Ballet for Beaten Women | Metro News

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:38:43 +0000

Ballet for Beaten Women – Metro News

By: Backstage Pass , Mila Petkovic

A new multimedia ballet about domestic violence is coming to London for a one-night-only performance.

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada will present Ghosts of Violence on Feb. 22 at the Paul Davenport Theatre at Western University.

Artistic director and choreographer Igor Dobrovolskiy created the piece for a fundraiser to build awareness about domestic violence and honour women killed by abuse. The full-length work debuted at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Feb. 15, 2011.

Megan Walker, executive director of London Abused Women’s Centre, saw the ballet in Ottawa. She thinks it’s a good way to reach out to men and women who may not even be aware of the problem.

“The stories of the women in the ballet are stories I’ve heard over and over again in my office,” says Walker. “They reflect the tactics of power and control that abusers use with women every day.”

Every six days a woman is killed in Canada by domestic violence, according to Statistics Canada.

Jennifer Morse, who lost her mother to a murder-suicide by her stepfather in 1999, attended the ballet with Walker. Morse identified with the characters because she grew up in a violent home.

She thinks using a ballet to explore domestic violence is very innovative, and could potentially reach a different demographic of people who are interested in the arts.

“Nothing like this has ever been done before. Sure we have seen rallies, commercials — but now with this ballet we can visually see what it is like to be in these women’s shoes. This is as close as it can get, to see someone act it out on a stage.”

Walker says more discussion about domestic violence is the first step towards improving the problem.

“The more we talk about the issue, the more women feel supported in coming forward to get help. There has been a dramatic increase in our service demand, not because of increasing violence but because women are able to reach out for help,” says Walker.

The target audience of the ballet is the youth community.

“Everywhere we travel, we do performances at high schools and universities,” says Dobrovolskiy. “The younger we open discussion about this, the better.”
The ballet’s multimedia aspect further adds to its uniqueness.

“It combines dance, music, video images projected onto a huge screen and props on the stage,” says Walker. “It makes you feel like you are there in the homes of the women. You don’t even have to be a ballet lover to enjoy it.”

The performance starts at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets, $45 for adults and $25 for students, online at grandtheatre.com.

http://www.metronews.ca/london/comment/article/1099912–ballet-for-beaten-women

Shine the Light Campaign finalist in World Conference Avon Communications Award

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:41:31 +0000

As part of its support for the 2^nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, the Avon Foundation For Women will recognize organizations from around the world that have produced exemplary communications campaigns and materials about ending violence against women.

The London Abused Women’s Centre has been chosen as a nominee for the Avon Communications Awards: Speaking Out About Violence Against Women in the category of Breaking the Silence for it’s Shine the Light on Woman Abuse Campaign. The Break the Silence Award recognizes communications materials that encourage witnesses or community members to step in and speak out against violence against women. The nominees will be highlighted at the 2^nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters on Tuesday, February 28^th at 1pm at a luncheon ceremony where the winners will be announced. Awards will be presented by Avon Global Ambassador, Reese Witherspoon and Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO of Avon Products Inc.

We are so appreciative of the overwhelming support shown to the Shine the Light campaign by the City of London. Thank you so very much.

YWCA Safety Siren for your IPhone

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:43:20 +0000

YWCA Safety Siren

Healthy dating? There’s an app for that!

The YWCA Safety Siren, available in both English and French, offers users a unique utility siren which can be activated by either pressing the safety button or by shaking an iPod or iTouch. The app also offers Canadian health and safety information geared toward young women, including: short questions and answers about women’s health and wellness, particularly focused on dating and social interaction; tips and facts on safety and wellbeing; links to YWCAs across Canada as well as health and crisis resource centres; and SOS urgent email and phone functionality to a friend or family member when the user is in an unsafe situation.

Highlights include:

Functionality in both French and English
Multiple siren settings
Siren activation sends an emergency email to a pre-set SOS contact with approximate coordinates and places an emergency outgoing call to a pre-programmed number
A wide range of facts and information on women’s health and wellness
Connections to nearby YWCAs, emergency hotlines, health centres and clinics
Access to a library of women’s health resources

To download the YWCA Safety Siren visit the App Store in iTunes.

http://ywcacanada.ca/en/pages/mall/apps

Toby Sax – Independence Video

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:14:57 +0000

Congratulations to filmmaker Toby Sax whose one minute documentary Independence (from Drug Addiction), was one of five films chosen of more than 600 submissions that was screened at Sundance during January.

London Abused Women's Centre

Special Thank You to Connections Community Church

For Some Ex-Councillors, Orser has gone too far | London Free Press

For some ex-councillors, Orser has gone too far

CAW pushes for national auto policy | London Community News

Awards recognize work in aiding crime victims | London Free Press

Awards recognize work in aiding crime victims

Londoners win Victims Services Award of Distinction | Metro News London

Londoners win Victims Services Award of Distinction

Londoners Recognized for Work with Victims of Crime | AM980

Recipients Of The 2012 Victim Services Awards Of Distinction

McGuinty Government Recognizes 2012 Victim Services Awards Of Distinction

The London Abused Women’s Centre is proud to announce that we are one of the recipients!

Did I Do Something Wrong?

Ashley Judd Fights Degrading Media Coverage | CBC News

Ashley Judd fights ‘degrading’ media coverage

Hundreds Expected to Attend London Abused Women’s Centre Event | Metro News

Running in Support of LAWC | London Community News

Running in support of LAWC

CHOIX et LÉGALISATION ne devraient pas être synonymes

Prostitution – CHOIX et LÉGALISATION ne devraient pas être synonymes Megan Walker, London Abused Women’s Centre

Choice Should Not Equal Legalization

CHOICE SHOULD NOT EQUAL LEGALIZATION

Megan Walker

MP Joy Smith Alarmed by Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling on Prostitution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement

MP Joy Smith Alarmed by Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling on Prostitution

Click HERE to read the Backgrounder – Prostitution & Nordic Model

Violence Against Women – The Communications Evolution Report

Londoner’s work on abuse against women gets attention in Washington | Metro News London

Londoner’s work on abuse against women gets attention in Washington

LAWC’s Shine The Light Campaign Goes International | AM980

LAWC’s ‘Shine the Light’ Campaign Goes International

AM980 News

Hitchcockian Ballet | London Free Press

Hitchcockian ballet

Centre Earns Spot as Finalist | London Free Press

Centre earns spot as finalist

Ballet for Beaten Women | Metro News

Ballet for Beaten Women – Metro News

Shine the Light Campaign finalist in World Conference Avon Communications Award

YWCA Safety Siren for your IPhone

YWCA Safety Siren

Healthy dating? There’s an app for that!

Toby Sax – Independence Video

Congratulations to filmmaker Toby Sax whose one minute documentary Independence (from Drug Addiction), was one of five films chosen of more than 600 submissions that was screened at Sundance during January.

London has some amazing talent.

http://hitrecord.org/users/tobysax

Ghosts of Violence Ballet Tackles Abuse

Ghosts of Violence Ballet Tackles Abuse The Beat Magazine

FOR TICKET INFORMATION CLICK HERE!

FOR TICKET INFORMATION CLICK HERE!

LAWC made the Daily!

LAWC made the Daily!

Click here to check out the Canadian Daily!

The London Abused Women’s Centre is proud to announce
that we are one of the recipients!

Prostitution – CHOIX et LÉGALISATION ne devraient pas être synonymes
Megan Walker, London Abused Women’s Centre

Ghosts of Violence Ballet Tackles Abuse
The Beat Magazine