Windsor is shining the light on woman abuse this month, starting with a tree lighting ceremony in Charles Clark Square.
The event at 5:30pm Monday kicks off a month of events to highlight efforts to end violence against women. Survivors of abuse will share their stories at the ceremony.
"It's about creating awareness and starting the conversation, so survivors know there are supports out there, and that the stigma of abuse is not theirs to own," says survivor and shelter worker Eva Kratochvil. "Turning on purple lights and decorating public spaces in purple means those conversations have started."
Caesars Windsor has agreed to turn their lights purple starting tonight until November 30, and Sue McKinnon with Unifor Local 444's women's committee says purple scarves will be for sale at the Windsor Assembly Plant November 20 to support programs at Hiatus House.
The executive director of Hiatus House, Thom Rolfe recognizes the need. He says the shelter is nearly always full.
"Our occupancy for the month of September 2015 was 107%. Our average year to date occupancy is 97.2%," he says. "We depend on donations year round to help us deliver the best services possible to the women and children seeking safe shelter and abusive men who are seeking treatment."
On November 13, everyone is asked to wear purple to demonstrate support for the initiative.
This year marks the fourth year in a row Windsor is taking part in the "Shine The Light on Woman Abuse" campaign that started in London five years ago. Over 15 cities and four counties are taking part.
