Friday, May 10, 2013
Drawing the line on sexual violence
(May 10, 2013 Pembroke, Ontario) May is sexual assault awareness month and the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) and Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes (AOcVF) have produced a dynamic prevention campaign: Draw-the-line.ca. The interactive campaign challenges individuals about the common myths about sexual violence and offers bystanders information and ways to intervene and be helpful in a safe and supportive manner. Julie Lalonde, the campaign’s coordinator spoke to a Pembroke group in April and said the most important things to do are to “listen and believe survivors of sexual violence”.
May 21st is “Draw the Line Day” and the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County (WSAC) is encouraging individuals, communities, workplaces and schools to host their own “Draw the Line” event. Jancy Brown, Communications Coordinator for WSAC says that there are many easy ways to make a stand. “People throughout Ontario are drawing the line, making a stand, saying no to sexual violence, and sharing the Draw the Line campaign to their friends, co-workers, families, and faith group. I have heard of groups getting sidewalk chalk and drawing lines on their streets, having movie events, discussion groups, and rallies.” She added, “The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre has Draw-the-line.ca posters, postcards, pencils and wristbands available to individuals and groups who want to host their own event.” In addition Ms. Brown said that WSAC would help groups who would like to host an event, or have a guest speaker come in to talk about sexual violence.
The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre staff and volunteers will be attending a variety of community events throughout the month of May and will have packages of Draw the Line supplies available.
For more information about the Draw-the-Line campaign, to host a local event, or to become a WSAC volunteer, contact the WSAC office at 613-735-5551 or go to www.draw-the-line.ca . For crisis support call, 1-800-663-3060
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