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Clinton News Record, 2013-11-06, Page 3Anti -violence campaign shares stories of survivors Gerard Creces Clinton News -Record November is Violence Against Women Awareness and Prevention month, and the Domestic Assault Review Team (DART) began their annual campaign in a quiet, but powerful way November 1 at the Huron County Health Unit. Do not wait to ask for help" Front and centre at the campaign kick- off was a purple quilt, decorated by women who were part of the Renais- sance Program, which provides support for victims of abusive or controlling rela- tionships. The Renaissance program has been in Huron County for the past 25 years, though it is a very low-key group. The Forget Me Not theatre troupe, made up of Grade 12 students from Stratford, also performed a piece, writ- ten especially for the occasion, using real life stories of abuse survivors. Students dressed in black wearing the trademark purple scarves of the anti -violence cam- paign portrayed the guilt, the suffering and the helplessness of being in an abu- sive or controlling relationship. "You did a wonderful job," said one tearful woman. "You felt our pain. You could tell you felt our pain." One of the women who worked on the quilt said it was a very accurate interpre- tation of what it feels like to go through an abusive relationship, adding she her- self wasn't sure what to create when she was asked to contribute to the project. However, it was all done in a positive place, she said, and was glad to be a part of something that will help other people who have been through a similar situation. =4. ■ Her advice to anyone in an abusive or controlling relationship is simple and sensible, though difficult to do: "Do not wait to ask for help." Crown Attorney and DART member, Teresa Donnelly, said the mission for the domestic assault team is to work as a com- munity to eradicate vio- lence, and do what they can to support those who fall victim to it. In the past, she said many agencies were all working separately toward that goal, such as the Women's Shelter, hospitals and the Ontario Provincial Police. With DART, all the players are at the same table, trying to find unified solutions. The DART team consists of represent- atives from the above, as well as the Chil- dren's Aid Society, Rural Response for Healthy Children, Victim Services among others. Wednesday, November 6, 2013 • News Record 3 Brucefield Community United Church ( Formerly St. Andrew's United-Kippen) SMORGASBORD TURKEY & HAM SUPPER SUN. NOV. 10, 2013 4:30- 6:30pm Adults - $15.00, Children 6-12 - $6.00, 5 and Under Free. Advance Tickets Only. Call- 519-263-2682, 519-263-2823 "Pamper Yourself" * Book a relaxing pedicure, or manicure during the upcoming Holiday Season. * Henrietta and Katie are very pleased to introduce Nectaya Ammonia free hair color line!! * Call or visit us to learn more about the benefits of this natural color. * Gift certificates available for all our services. * We look forward to seeing you soon!!!! Les Ciseau , 519-482-3826 19 Victoria St. Clinton Ont. Open Tuesday to Saturday A The Forget Me Not theatre troupe perform a piece specifically written for Violence Against Women Awareness and Prevention month, at the Huron County Health Unit Friday, Nov. 1. A Women in the Renaissance Program, which supports victims of violent or controlling relationships, created a quilt for Violence Against Women Awareness and Prevention month, which runs through November. The patches show both the pain of going through an abusive relationship, as well as the hope and confidence that await women on the other side. Thanks a million (well 6.5 million, actually) Thanks to the generosity of our partners and community volunteers, there are fewer empty plates in Canada. You helped raise 6.5 million pounds of food for food banks across the country. ©@FCCagriculture #DriveAwayHunger 0111101111 Farm Credit Canada Canada r5