Shining a light on woman abuse

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Sioux Lookout’s fourth annual Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign got underway on November 25 at St. Andrew’s United Church where purple lights adorned the Peace Garden.
Beginning in London, Ontario nine years ago, the Shine the Light campaign has expanded to more than 40 communities across three countries.
Through a post in the Sioux Lookout & Area Events & Services public Facebook group, SWAC Circle of Care Worker Kimberly Murphy shared, “The goals of the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign are to raise awareness of men’s violence against women by turning communities purple for the month of November; to stand in solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but to the perpetrators of their abuse; and to raise the profile of the community agencies that can provide abused women with help as they attempt to live their lives free from violence and abuse. Purple is a symbol of courage, survival and honour, and has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse. If you feel you are at risk, please call SWAC/ONWA @ 737.7922 or First Step Women’s Shelter @ 737-1438 to set a time to meet in a confidential setting.”