Ahead of Sexual Violence Awareness Month in May across Ontario, Michelle Schryer paid a visit to the women’s self defense program in Wallaceburg.
Schryer, the executive director for the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, spoke to the “Stand Tall – Women’s Awareness Through Self Defense” group, who meet on Monday evenings above the Museum and is hosted by Henrie Timmers and the Wallaceburg Martial Arts crew.
“We provide a continuum of service for women 16-years and older who have been sexually assaulted or who have experienced sexual violence in their lives,” Schryer told the Sydenham Current before her discussion. “That could be sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment. We have a 24-hour crisis line, we have a support and advocacy program, so women can receive counseling, that could be short-term or long-term. It’s directed and driven by the woman.”
Schryer added the organization also provides education and awareness.
“This is more about prevention,” she said.
Schryer said she was pleased to speak to the women in Wallaceburg.
“Wallaceburg Martial Arts is a wonderful partner for the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre,” she said. “Henrie (Timmers) as an individual has shown such a commitment to helping end gender-based violence. It’s a program that is offered for free for women, which is incredible in this day in age.”
Wallaceburg Martial Arts will be kicking off Sexual Violence Awareness Month on May 1st at 8 p.m. to make a statement and make some noise about rape. The following day they will join thousands of people and organizations across Canada who will be wearing purple in support of survivors of sexual violence.
My thanks to Aaron Hall for coming out late at night in miserable weather to cover something most people would prefer not to discuss.
It is amazing that we call ourselves civilized yet every single day, every 17 minutes, another woman is the victim of a sexual assault.
We invite all who believe that “No One Asks For It” to join us May 1st at the Wallaceburg Museum to kick off Sexual Violence Awareness month and to wear a purple shirt on Friday, May 2nd to support survivors and end the cycle of Blame and Shame!