A small group of residents braved the cold to gather outside Renfrew Town Hall on Wednesday night to reflect on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Mayor Tom Sidney and representatives from the Bernadette McCann House led a candlelit vigil, the first of its kind in Renfrew, as the small crowd outside Town Hall honoured victims of gender-based violence.
One local case worker for the Bernadette McCann House tells myFM that they were pleased with the turnout despite the frigid temperatures and are hopeful the vigil will gain more traction in years to come.
They also recognized that the topics of violence against women and intimate partner violence are difficult for many people and hoped that this small start would build towards a larger discussion about what has become a high-profile problem across Renfrew County.
They add that the way forward towards a community free from violence for everyone includes centering the voices of survivors and speaking up against harmful behaviours, no matter how trivial they appear.
The Bernadette McCann House offers a 16-bed emergency short-term shelter for women and children who are leaving an abusive relationship, as well as a 24/7 Support and Crisis phone line that offers a trained caseworker who will listen, offer support, provide a safety plan, and refer you to other services at 613-732-3131 and toll-free at 1-800-267-4930.
(written by Kasey Egan)