CSW 2010:YWCA Canada go Beyond Shelter
As Canadas only established national network and largest single provider of shelter services for women and children leaving domestic abuse, YWCA Canada has deep roots in the countrys violence against women movement, offering services to approximately 20,000 women every year.
As part of the CSW 2010, YWCA Canada presented a panel on March 9 entitled ‘ Life Beyond Shelter.’ Led by YWCA Canada CEO Paulette Senior and YWCA Canada’s Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Anne Decter, the panel was powerful line up of women survivors of violence and young women.
Panelists shared their experiences of violence, and how the YWCA Canada had helped them, and continues to help them with their recovery. As they shared the difficulties they came up against such as the judicial system and structure, lack of adequate support and stigma from their communities it became evident that holistic polices are needed to empower women fleeing violence.
As part of the panel, the launch of ‘Beyond Shelter; Videos for Change’ took place. The audience was able to watch a series of short video clips that had moving testimonies on the issues of violence against women in Canada, and what is needed by the Government to ensure comprehensive policies such as a national poverty reduction strategy and a national housing strategy that includes emergency, second-stage and permanent housing. Key legal reforms would also ensure that all women have legal presentation for proceedings and that violence is always taken into account when determining custody and access.
The panel was truly a safe space for women to share their experiences of violence and the video clips were an engaging and effective way to address and explore a powerful topic. The video clips can be viewed at the YWCA Canada’s You Tube page: Watch Videos
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