“Women are still being murdered here in Chatham-Kent.”
Those harsh, but accurate words are from Linda Soulliere, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
Harsh, but true.
To continue to shine a light on violence against women, the centre is organizing its Shatter the Silence Walk for Sept. 20.
Soulliere said shattering the silence is more than just symbolic; it’s a cry to get people to see what is going on.
“We want to be really loud and noisy and bring attention to the fact these things are happening in our community,” she said. “We need to make the politicians and the police take notice.”
Violence against women in Chatham-Kent has not retreated. In fact, Soulliere said it is on the rise.
“Sexual assault and violence against women are the only major crimes that have gone up over 50 per cent in the last year,” she said. “And that’s just the reported cases. A lot don’t report for various reasons.”
Such reasons could include victim blaming and victim shaming, Soulliere said.
Of those cases that are reported, Soulliere said only about 10 per cent of them make it to court, and the conviction rate is low.
“Basically, you’re telling the offenders, ‘Hey, we’re not going to put you in jail or anything,’” she said.
Soulliere said the victims seem to be getting younger as well.
“If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. The ages of the rape victims are getting younger and younger,” she said. “We get a lot of calls these days about 14 and 15 year olds. It’s just getting worse for girls and young women. We have to do something.”
Human trafficking is also entrenched in Chatham-Kent. It’s not just a matter of women being moved along the Highway 401 corridor, Soulliere said.
“I was very shocked moving here and finding out what is going on,” she said. “I’ve been in this position for nine months. I have learned a lot. It’s been a real eye opener about the actual violence against women here.”
To combat such violence, Soulliere is asking for support, from men as well as women, for the march.
“We want men to be our allies, to show up and show support,” she said. “We can’t do this alone. There has to be a partnership.”
To help generate the noise, Soulliere said organizers will have “tons of noisemakers, cowbells and whistles” on hand for the march.
The walk begins at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre on King Street West in Chatham at 7 p.m. and ends at the WISH Centre on King Street East.
The march will be followed by a celebration with speakers, live music, food, games, prizes, and more at the WISH Centre.
Take Back The Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence.
The goal of the march is to raise awareness around sexual violence with a focus on prevention. While also supporting survivors of sexual violence and their healing process.
The march gives women a voice and a chance to reclaim the streets at night through a safe and empowering event.
