The Rural Voice, 1993-11, Page 33survey include the printing of wallet -
sized cards that can be distributed
discreetly to women who need them.
They are also producing a com-
munity services directory, and are
arranging with Bell Canada to
publish the crisis line number on the
first page of the directory along with
other emergency numbers.
Then there are the rest of us: the
people in the general
population that don't realize
the extent of the problem,
don't believe it, or don't know what
they can do to help. There are some
answers.
Reading articles such as this and
talking to others about wife abuse
helps to raise awareness of the issues,
and makes the topic less taboo. A
woman will be more likely to come
forward for help if she knows that
someone will be accepting and will
listen. Specific things that will help
include calling the police if you see
or hear someone being hurt. If
someone confides in you, let her
know that she is not alone, and that
you will listen to her and believe her.
Help her to get in touch with a
shelter. People can donate food,
clothing, toiletry items and furniture
to shelters and second -stage homes,
and of course, donations of time
and/or money to keep programs
going are always gratefully received.
Talking about the subject helps
immeasurably, too. Wife assault is
not a "private family matter" - it is a
crime. The more it is brought out
into the open, the sooner it can be
eradicated.
"There are degrees of assault - it
is not us and them," says Arlene.
"Any of us could become a victim.
What would you do if it is your
daughter, or sister, or mother, who is
being abused? We need to think
about this, because it is happening."
It is estimated that over 5,000
women are physically abused each
year in Grey and Bruce Counties
alone. All income and education
levels are affected, all religions and
races. Abuse can escalate, even to
the point of murder. Two Canadian
women are murdered by their
partners each week. Help is available
for those who need it. By banding
together as a society to show that we
will no longer silently accept this
violence, we can all help to end it. 0
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:
l tnergency Shelters.
Goderich: Survival Through Friendship House
Kincardine: The Women's House of Bruce County
Owen Sound: Grey -Bruce Women's Centre
Stratford: Optimism Place
Groups for Men Who Abuse:
Clinton: Group Delta/Renascence
Owen Sound: Men's Program Ending Woman Abuse
Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre:
Stratford: Family Violence Treatment Program
Counselling Services:
Meaford, Wiarton, Owen Sound: (24-hour line)
Walkerton (Tuesdays): (24-hour line)
(519) 524-6245
1-800-265-5506
(519) 396-9655
1-800-265-3026
(519) 371-1600
1-800-265-3722
(519) 271-5550
1-800-265-8598
(519) 482-3933
(519) 372-2720
(519) 376-2121
ext. 2460
(519) 273-1020
(519) 371-1600
1-800-265-3722
(519) 881-2113
1-800-665-9165
Hanover (Thursdays): (24-hour line) (519) 364-7324
1-800-665-5794
Bruce Shoreline Family Centre (individual, couple, and family counselling):
Southampton
Kincardine
Wiarton
Second -Stage Housing (Interim Housing):
Owen Sound : Women's Centre Housing Program
(long distance calls accepted)
Goderich, Clinton, Exeter: Phoenix of Huron
Stratford: Emily Murphy Centre
(519) 797-2g80
(519) 396-4523
(519) 534-4401
(519) 371-5010
(519) 524-1620
(519) 271-5550
FARMERS IN DISTRESS FINANCIALLY —
WONDERING WHERE TO TURN!
Let us help you
R.M. Kelly Inc. and Associates
Financial Consultants
Box 299, Brussels, Ontario NOG 1H0
519-887-9460
Specializing in farm consulting and small business — 8 years' experience
NOVEMBER 1993 29