Raising the Wrapped in Courage Flag in Mississauga and Brampton
PEEL REGION - November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and communities across Ontario will be joining Armagh and Embrave: Agency to End Violence to raise the Wrapped in Courage flag to symbolize our commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community. For the 11th year, the Wrapped in Courage campaign is mobilizing gender-based violence support services and organizations to build awareness on this issue, connect survivors to services and to call on decision makers about the social change that is needed to address this issue.
Armagh is the Region of Peel’s only second-stage, transitional supportive housing program for women and their children experiencing gender-based violence. We offer survivors safe, supportive, service-intensive and more long-term housing.
Embrave: Agency to End Violence provides emergency shelter, counselling and advocacy supports for women, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary folks and their children impacted by gender-based violence in the Region of Peel. We amplify the voices of survivors, educate the community and inspire systemic change to create a society free of violence.
We are both proud agency members of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) and participants of their annual provincial Wrapped in Courage campaign.
November is recognized as Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the increase in gender-based violence in our community. Gender-based violence has now been formally declared an epidemic in the Region of Peel, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. As community organizations supporting survivors, we know that gender-based violence continues to increase across our community and our need for service is at an all time high.
“It’s a critical moment for the agencies and community to come together in our fight against Gender Based Violence. This flag raising represents the continuous commitment to the work and support from our municipalities and partner agencies. Join us and OAITH to demand an end to Violence Against Women across the Region of Peel, Ontario and Canada.” - Jannies Le, Armagh House Executive Director
In anticipation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25th, a Wrapped in Courage flag will be raised in our community.
Community Flagpole located at Ken Whillans Square outside Brampton City Hall – Monday November 22, 9:00 AM
Community Flagpole located at Mississauga Civic Centre – Wednesday November 22, 9:00 AM
“These flag raisings signal our collective commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community, and to ensure survivors know that they are not alone. Ontario has had 55 femicides in the last 48 weeks, this number is incredibly disturbing. We need everyone talking about this epidemic across the province. We need survivors to know that we are here to listen and support, they don’t have to do this alone.” - Andrine Johnson, Embrave CEO
Throughout the month of November we ask Ontarian's to wear a purple scarf to show support for survivors who have experienced gender-based violence in their homes, communities and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes to seek support and safety from violence. Purple scarves can be purchased through Armagh or Embrave.
Take action to address gender-based violence in a meaningful way today by:
Contacting your 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.
On November 25th be sure to Wear or Display A Purple Scarf in support of survivors of gender-based violence and post with the hashtag #WrappedinCourage and #PurpleIsForEveryone to your social media accounts!
For inquiries email:
Rebecca Pacheco
Development and Education Manager, Embrave: Agency to End Violence
rebeccap@embrave.ca
Emily Porcellato
Community Development Coordinator, Armagh
emily@armaghhouse.ca