YWCA Muskoka issues community ‘walk the walk’ challenge to men across Muskoka to help end domestic violence

Last April, Ed Novak and his grandson were on their way to YWCA Muskoka’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event – they were participating in the annual fundraising walk to stop violence against women in our community. The irony was that, in order to get there, they would first have to pass by police tape: another woman had been murdered by a partner.

This year, YWCA Muskoka is issuing a formal challenge to men across Muskoka: strap on a pair of high heels and literally Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to gain an understanding that helps end domestic violence.

According to White Ribbon Canada, women in rural communities are more impacted by domestic violence. Just weeks ago, we heard of three more murders due to domestic violence near Burk’s Falls – this time the victims were a grandmother, a mother and her son.

“In the last few years, our small community has lost a number of its mothers, daughters and children through partner violence, including my daughter Natalie,” Ed Novak said. “Men cannot stay silent about this; inaction is not good enough. We must take action and have a voice– walking is one simple way to do that.”

In 2017, 65 men showed up to Walk a Miles in Her Shoes. The fire department; EMS; the Bracebridge mayor and deputy mayor, and our MPP were among them. The goal in 2018 is to have over 100 walkers from all community groups including: teachers, students, clubs, sport teams, media, professionals, business owners, trade workers, religious groups and all government officials. The OPP and the Muskoka Home Builder’s Association are already on board.

“At the heart of this event is the opportunity to engage men, help them understand the root causes of domestic violence and how we, as a community, can prevent it,” said Hannah Lin, Executive Director of YWCA Muskoka. “Although domestic violence is a very serious matter, this event is fun and family-friendly. We encourage walkers to bring their entire families, including the kids.

Funds from the event go toward YWCA Muskoka’s violence prevention work, including educational programs and workshops for women and youth, along with the December 6th Fund, which provides interest-free loans for women fleeing domestic violence.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes takes place on Sunday, May 27 at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre. No registration fee is required. Participants may register as an individual, set their own fundraising goal, join an existing team or create their own team. All ages are welcome and inter-generational teams are encouraged. Register to walk at www.walkamilemuskoka.ca

By the numbers: domestic violence in Muskoka:

• Since 2013 YWCA Muskoka has helped 41 women escape domestic violence through our December 6th Fund – an interest free loan program.
• Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services’ client load was approximately 165 cases in 2017. Over 90 per cent of those cases had a history of child abuse (serving only women over the age of 16). (Muskoka Sexual Assault Services)
• The number of residents served by Interval House and Chrysalis Shelter for women and children in 2013 was: 129 women and 76 children. The shelters were over capacity on 61 days of the year. (Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group)
• Muskoka Victim Services says there is an influx of teens being abused in their dating relationships.
• The risk and impact of violence against women in rural communities may be exacerbated due to: (from White Ribbon Canada)
  • Greater distances from neighbours, social supports (including access to shelters and health care) and programs may further isolate women and families who experience violence;
  • Programs designed to help victims are often understaffed. The rare options that do exist are sometimes located in close proximity to an abuser.
  • “Everyone knows everyone” perception: women in smaller communities may feel uncomfortable discussing experiences of violence, especially in a family context, and men may want to “protect” other men they know from the consequences of perpetrating violence against women;
  • Younger generations may leave the rural community, leaving fewer family members upon whom to rely for support.
• According to the Ministry of the Status of Women, the majority of people affected by gender-based violence are women and children.
• In 2016, Statistics Canada found that slayings committed by past or present intimate partners made up an average of 19 per cent of all solved homicides over the past decade.
• In Canada, a woman is killed every six days as a result of intimate partner violence. On average in Ontario, a woman is murdered by her current/former spouse or another family member approximately every 13 days. Shocking as these statistics are, by March 14 Ontario surpassed both of them. Since Jan. 1 of this year, 15 murders of women, their children and family members have been reported by media (The Toronto Star via Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses).

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