Following the 86 recommendations at the conclusion of the Renfrew County Femicide Inquest, we continue to work to implement some of the recommendations locally by developing a new approach to public education campaigns to promote awareness about IPV, including finding opportunities to reach a wider audience in rural communities. We seek to promote broad recognition of:

·       how to engage with support

·       identifying risk factors/ warning signs of IPV, trafficking and exploitation

·       community and bystander involvement

·       information and services being accessible in multiple languages and in multiple formats

·       ensuring that rural residents, as well as those that are disproportionally victimized can identify themselves in the messaging and materials

LAWC continues to build on existing age-appropriate education programs for primary and secondary schools, and universities and colleges. Our Shine the Light Educational Resources and Coaching Boys Into Men program focus on violence prevention, recognizing healthy and abusive relationships, identifying subtle indicators of coercive control, understanding risk factors, managing and processing feelings, conflict resolution, in addition to community and bystander obligations.

By collaborating with the Loblaws family of stores we were able to launch the grassroots Ask for Angela program that businesses can participate in where survivors can feel safe and ask for information and contact information to seek services from not only police, but also IPV service providers.

While we work to have an impact, we need you to take action too. Speak to your government representatives. Talk about the issues with your family, friend and colleagues. Go purple for November.