Reflect, Acknowledge and Take Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

York Region, Ontario – March 8 is International Women's Day and is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. We invite you to celebrate the day with us.We will be featuring guest speakers:

Special Guests:
Superintendent Paul Pederson, York Region Police
Mayor Van Bynen, Newmarket

Other Speakers:
Kelly Brownbill, Aboriginal Women and Health
Timea Eva Nagy, Walk with Me - Human Trafficking
Heather White, Woman Abuse
Michelle Smith, Rape as a Weapon of War
Jane Wedlock, York Region Alliance To End Homelessness - Women, Poverty and Housing
Karen Setter, Canadian Mental Health Association - Women and Mental Health
Barbara Urman, Family Services York Region - Violence in Same-sex Relationships

While we celebrate let us also remember there are still many women who face violence and abuse in their own homes on a daily basis. Woman abuse is a serious health issue and is made worse by the recession. The size and nature of the problem demands that addressing and preventing woman abuse be a high priority in York Region. Come listen to a panel of speakers who will be highlighting the various gaps in services, such as:

• The scope of the problem and the need for Violence Against Women services;
• The lack of adequately funded programs to ensure availability of appropriate services for women who experience abuse, their abusers and their children;
• The need for programs and services for abusers within York Region;
• The need to develop educational programs, information and programs for others who abuse family members, such as those who abuse disabled or elderly women for whom they are a caregiver, and those who engage in honour-based violence;
• The need to ensure the response to abused women is culturally and linguistically appropriate;
• The need for more shelters in York Region for women and children who are fleeing abuse;
• The need for services for children who live in a violent environment;
• And the need for adequate services for women with complex needs who experience abuse, including those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Moderator by Daniele Zanotti, Executive Director, United Way York Region
Panelists will include:
Radha Bharadwaj, AIDS Committee York Region
Isabel Khalef, Children Aid Society
Kathie Rideout, Family Services York Region
Vivien Green, Victim’s Services York Region
Kirsten Eastwood, Women’s Centre York Region
Lorris Herenda, Yellow Brick House

Event Details:
Reflect Acknowledge and Take Action: Celebrate the Strength of Women on International Women’s Day.
Location: Upper Canada Mall (17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4Z1, Centre Court)
Date & Time: March 6th 2010 between 11a.m. - 5p.m.

For more information, please contact:
York Region Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee
Rubaiyat Karim, Tel: 905 415 9719, Cell: 416 902 9469, Fax: 905 415 9706
Email: coordinator.yrvawcc@gmail.com, Website: www.yrvawcc.ca
4261 Highway 7, Suite 203, Unionville, ON L3R 1L5