NEWS RELEASE
YELLOW BRICK HOUSE
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November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and communities across Ontario will join Yellow Brick House to raise the flag to end-gender-based violence. For the 10th year, the Wrapped in Courage campaign is mobilizing Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario to remind everyone that now more than ever, violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women and girls.
Throughout the month of November, we ask Ontarians to wear a purple scarf to show support for survivors who've had to endure gender-based violence in their homes, communities and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol that the courage of a woman is not enough and that we must all stand beside them. On Nov. 25, International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, we kick off the 16 days of activism.
On Dec. 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Wrapped in Courage flags will be raised in our community, and proclamations will be declared by our Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Vaughan. This proclamation and flag-raising signal a commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community and to ensure survivors know they are not alone. Yellow Brick House provides vital safety and support services to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.
Gender-based violence is an often-invisible issue, and many women and gender-diverse individuals may not be aware of the services available in their community. Every Ontarian has a key role to play when it comes to addressing gender-based violence and preventing femicide.
Take action to address gender-based violence in a meaningful way today by:
- Talking with those close to you about how shelters in your community play an essential role in survivor safety through their programs and services and continue to have services available throughout the pandemic
- Contacting our municipal, provincial and federal politicians to let them know you want them to take action to end gender-based violence through commitments and planning at all levels of government.
- Connecting with Yellow Brick House about how you can support their services
- Throughout the month of November, be sure to wear or display a purple scarf in support of survivors of gender-based violence and post with the hashtag #WrappedinCourage to your social media accounts!
- Post and share photos and videos of Wrapped in Courage flags across Ontario!
- Attending a flag raising in our community on Dec. 6
- Town of East Gwillimbury – 9 a.m. at 19000 Leslie St., Sharon
- Town of Georgina – 9:30 a.m. at 26557 Civic Centre Rd., RR 2, Keswick
- Town of Aurora – 10 a.m. at 100 John West Way, Aurora
- City of Markham Civic Centre, at 101 Town Centre Blvd.
- Town of Newmarket – 11 a.m. at 395 Mulock Dr., Newmarket
- Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville – 11 a.m. at 111 Sandiford Dr., Whitchurch-Stouffville
- City of Vaughan – 11 a.m. at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan
- City of Richmond Hill – 12:30 p.m. at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd., Richmond Hill
Throughout November, be sure to wear or display a purple scarf in support of survivors of gender-based violence and post with the hashtag #WrappedinCourage to your social media accounts!
About Yellow Brick House
Since 1978, Yellow Brick House has been providing life-saving services and prevention programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by violence. Our Vision is Freedom from violence. Equality for all. The organization is committed to providing a wide range of free and confidential support services to women and children experiencing abuse and violence and empowering them to transition to violence-free lives.
For more information about Yellow Brick House, visit this website.
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