Organization aims to prevent domestic violence as it prepares for a big fundraiser

In recognition of November being National Women Abuse Prevention Month, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) has started a new program to help try and prevent domestic violence locally.

The group called Safe Neighbours aims to inform people living in the region about what to do if a loved one is experiencing, or perhaps, perpetuating domestic violence. They will help guide people about what to do in those situations through a drop-in-style program every month.

The CEO of WCSWR, Jennifer Hutton, spoke to The Mike Farwell show about the program and the big fundraiser called Voices Empower: Walk to Break the Silence, next month.

Hutton said domestic violence is far too common and the topic is discussed more frequently than it has been in the past, but the conversation needs to keep going.

“Our shelters are full, 24/7, if not close to full. So, we’re really busy but trying to provide that full spectrum of services for those who need it,” she said.

WCSWR is also seeing people with more complex needs walk through its door, such as mental health or addiction-related issues.

“It’s really taken a toll on our staff and we’re just making sure we have beds available to those who need them,” added Hutton.

In the past few years, the organization has seen people staying in shelters for longer periods of time due to a lack of affordable housing options.

“People that previously maybe would have stayed eight weeks, are now staying well past three months at times,” said Hutton.

According to WCSWR’s 2023-24 Impact Report, it provided 26,391 days of care to women and children from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. In that timeframe, it also helped 367 clients in emergency shelters, of which 200 were women and 167 were children.

The organization supported 24 individuals through transitional housing and made 208 early intervention connections, supporting 23 individuals through the new Engaging Men program.

The youth education expanded to 1,063 participants while hosting 58 public education presentations. The Waterloo Region District School Board also invited WCSWR to run that program in schools for 2024.

The big fundraiser is set for Nov. 30 with hopes of raising over $60,000 from community donations. Last year over $80,000 was raised. The six-kilometre walk represents a woman being killed by their intimate partner every six days in Canada.

WCSWR will start the walk at the Waterloo Town Square around 1 p.m. walking down King Street all the way to Victoria Street in Kitchener. Hutton is hoping they get over 200 participants that day.

“It’s our biggest event of the year and we really rely on community support for this one.”

To donate or take part in the walk, people can sign up on Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region’s website.