14th annual Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign launched
The 14th annual Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign was launched Wednesday evening in London’s Victoria Park.
Renée Kowalchuk addressed a gathering, hoping her voice will help others find their voice.
"I'm here to encourage women to stand up and speak out," she said.
Kowalchuk told her story of meeting a man at a baseball tournament. She was in her teens and he in his 20’s.
She recounted how insecure she felt and how he made her feel special. She soon found herself locked in a world of dependency that included verbal and physical abuse.
"The only way I could describe him is to say he was a wolf in sheep's clothing,” Kowalchuk told CTV News. “He charmed me. He charmed my friends and my family. Even after I did come forward and talk about this I got comments like, 'I thought he was such a nice guy.’"
London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) Executive director Jennifer Dunn said the story is more common than many people want to admit.
According to Dunn, helping abused woman often means making sure they can leave safely and on their terms.
"It's not as easy as people think. It's not easy to just get up and uproot your whole life, and potentially your children's lives, to leave the situation,” she added.
The month of November is dedicated to the issue of men's violence against women, with purple being the colour of the cause.
Dozens gathered in London's Victoria Park for the launch of the 14th annual Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign. Nov. 1, 2023. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
Kowalchuk helped light a tree covered in purple lights in Victoria Park as part of the campaign launch. In the coming days, a number of prominent buildings in the city will be lit in purple.
Nov. 15 is wear purple day. Dunn said it's all about creating a dialogue, "Create a conversation. Intentionally have a conversation with somebody about why you're wearing purple and that will raise awareness. You know, if this month brings one woman to the realization that she can access support in our community then that's all we need."
This year they are also focusing on the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people, with Morgan Harris' image recognized as a silent witness.
LAWC creates silhouettes of woman who were killed by a man as part of the Silent Witness program. Each victim’s image has a plaque that tells their story.
Winnippeg police believe Harris was the victim of a serial killer in Winnipeg, and her remains are in a landfill near that city.
Kowalchuk hopes others will be helped by hearing these difficult stories, "As long as I have a voice I will continue to use it because this is something that happens behind closed doors but it can't stay behind those doors anymore. It's an epidemic and it needs to stop," she said.
A number of fundraising events have been planned for November as part of the Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.