A boatload of rain wasn't enough to stop several people in Chatham from holding a rally to end violence against women.
The event happened on Tuesday along the 3rd Street Bridge.
The rally started in front of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by participants walking up and down the bridge for about 30 minutes.
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This was the 12th time the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent has held the rally in support of victims.
Organizer Wanda Bell told CK News Today these events help remind people that violence against women is still a big issue.
"We're a small group, but it's a powerful message that we're here year after year," she said.
The amount of work being done at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre proves that the issue is also local. In 2024, over 450 women received help at the centre.
Karen Hunter, the executive director of the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre, explained that they're currently helping 22 women and children despite only having the funding for 17 beds.
"We don't want to turn people away or put them on a waitlist because they need (help) immediately, they don't need something two months from now," she said.
Taking part in the rally alongside Hunter and Bell were Councillors Brock McGregor and Alysson Storey. McGregor was one of a few men who took part in the event.
"The men that are here, I applaud them, and I hope that more men become aware," added Bell.
The rally was held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is also the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
