National Day of Remembrance

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on violence against women and children.

On December 6, 1989, the lives of 14 young women were cut short in one of the most heinous acts of violence in Canadian history. They were daughters, sisters, wives and friends whose lives were full of promise and hope, horrifically taken by a gunman at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal.

Please take a moment to watch this memorial video to remember each of these beautiful women.

Memorial Video

Why is rape culture bad for women?

Well, this quote from Melissa McEwan should clear it all up.

“Rape culture is the way in which the constant threat of sexual assault affects women’s daily movements. Rape culture is telling girls and women to be careful about what you wear, how you wear it, how you carry yourself, where you walk, when you walk there, with whom you walk, whom you trust, what you do, where you do it, with whom you do it, what you drink, how much you drink, whether you make eye contact, if you are alone, if you’re with a stranger, if you’re in a group, if you’re in a group of strangers, if it’s dark, if the area is unfamiliar, if you’re carrying something, how you carry it, what kind of shoes you’re wearing in case you have to run, what kind of purse you carry, what jewelry you wear, what time it is, what street it is, what environment it is, how many people you sleep with, what kind of people you sleep with, who your friends are, to whom you give your number, who’s around when the delivery guy comes, to get an apartment where you can see who’s at the door before they can see you, to check before you open the door to the delivery guy, to own a dog or a dog-sound-making machine, to get a roommate, to take self-defence, to always be alert, always pay attention, always watch your back, always be aware of your surroundings and never let your guard down for a moment lest you be sexually assaulted and if you are and didn’t follow all the rules it’s your fault.“

Events in Belleville

In the wake of the events occurring in Belleville, ON, and the recent trial surrounding the murders of Cpl. Marie-France Comeau and Jessica Lloyd; as well as the victimization of many other un-named women at the hands of Russell Williams, it is important to take a moment to recognize that woman abuse exists in our society. Since the trial began on Monday October 18, the media has been reporting, twittering and “facebooking” live feeds of the details surrounding the torture and murders of two beautiful women. These women were daughters, friends, sisters and well respected members of their community. At this time, the community of Belleville is rallying together, in wake of the tragedies, to heal as a community.


As women, times like these remind of us of how women and children are victimized in our society. It is hard not to feel vulnerable and for many women who are survivors of women abuse to feel re-victimized. The trauma experienced by women who are survivors of woman abuse is real. The pain and the memories do not go away; they only fade for a time. The ripple effect of the media coverage and the disclosure of the crimes committed against these young beautiful women, reminds us that woman abuse is real, and it needs to end.

Counselling is available through the Women’s Rural Resource Centre. We have trained, empathetic and understanding counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our helpline number is 1-800-265-5390. You can also make an appointment to come in and speak with one of our outreach counselors our transition advocates. The Women’s Rural Resource Centre offers groups, education, emergency shelter and support to women and children who are victims of abuse. At times like these, it is important to rally together as a community and to focus on healing. Together, we can end abuse against women and children.

Amanda Zielinski
Residential Counsellor/Transition Advocate

Shampoo and Conditioner needed

Our shelter care packages are running short of Shampoo and Conditioner.  Please drop off your donations to WRRC 145 Beech Street anytime. 

Please let the staff know your donation is shampoo and conditioner so you are not directed to take your donation to St. Vincent DePaul.

Thank you.

Colder weather! gently used comforters needed!

We are in urgent need of comforters in good condition for the shelter beds. 
Queen and twin sizes needed. 
Please drop off your donation anytime to WRRC at 145 Beech Street Strathroy
Thank you for your support

New or "gently used" ladies pj's and sweaters needed for women in shelter

We are currently in need of new or gently used ladies pj's and sweaters for the shelter.  Please drop your donation off to 145 Beech St. Strathroy anytime.

Thank you for your support!

Join the WRRC team as a Part- time Residential Counsellor

Join a team that is creating a new vision and strategic plan to end woman abuse. If you enjoy working in a dynamic environment with co-workers who love what they do, then you’ll want to be part of this team. This work takes courage, enthusiasm, determination and lots of patience. Its reward is in knowing you’ve made a real difference in the lives of people who are working to change their lives.


The Women’s Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy & Area is seeking part time Residential Counsellors to join our team. Residential Counsellors are accountable for ensuring a safe physical and psychological environment in a shelter for women who are abused and their children. Presently we require:

Part-Time Residential Counsellors - shift work including nights, weekends and holidays.

Applicants should have experience and/or education in the field of Social Services. Successful candidates will have proven skills in: crisis intervention, conflict resolution, advocacy, communication and facilitation with a feminist analysis of women abuse. Previous experience working with women and children in a counselling and/or shelter setting would be an asset. CPR and First Aid certification is required.

Please apply via email by September 19 to:
Kathryn Eggert
Women’s Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy and Area
145 Beech Street
Strathroy, ON N7G 1K9
Fax: (519) 246-1422
E-mail: info@wrrcsa.org

** NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE**

Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Free Siren App offered by YWCA

The YWCA Safety Siren, available in both English and French, offers users a unique utility siren which can be activated by either pressing the safety button or by shaking an iPod or iTouch. The app also offers Canadian health and safety information geared toward young women, including: short questions and answers about women’s health and wellness, particularly focused on dating and social interaction; tips and facts on safety and wellbeing; links to YWCAs across Canada as well as health and crisis resource centres; and SOS urgent email and phone functionality to a friend or family member when the user is in an unsafe situation.

Add it to your phone- or your daughters phone- today!

Here's the link  Siren APP by the YWCA

Hiring childcare providers

Do you love being with children?

Believe in your leadership skills?

Value safe and peaceful communities?

Are you creative and dynamic?

WRRC is now accepting resumes for those interested in being a part of a pool of leaders that will provide child care and supervision to children while women access various agency services. Those interested must
possess a babysitting course certificate or the equivalent as well as a current police background check to work with vulnerable populations.

To apply, please send your resume by:
Fax: 519-246-1422
Email: mandy@wrrcsa.org
Address: 145 Beech St.
Strathroy, ON N7G 1K9

***Application deadline is Sept. 10, 2010***

Join our cause on Facebook!

Join the End the abuse of women and children in Middleseex County cause on Facebook.  Help us to educate, inform and inspire change in our community! invite your freinds to join too!

Where's the Shoes? Contest starts August 30th

For five days starting August 30th the red pumps will be hidden each day in a secret location somewhere in Strathroy. Each day, clues as to the location of the shoes, will be given to myFM listeners during the morning show.

Follow the clues to find the shoes. If you think you know where the shoes are call the Women’s Rural Resource Centre at 519-246-1526 to claim your prize. One location/prize per day. The host of the hidden shoe will offer one prize to the lucky winner.

Don’t’ forget to register for the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event on September 26th. Started in 2001, marches are now held in large cities and small communities all over North America. There are over 175 walks planned for 2010. Register for the Strathroy walk on line at www.wrrcsa.org

"New Beginnings Loan Fund" to continue in Strathroy

The Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) has awarded funding to the United Way of London and Middlesex to support its “New Beginnings Loan Fund”; one of 51 violence prevention programs across the country to receive funding from the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Violence Prevention Fund this year.

The New Beginnings Loan Fund provides interest-free loans for women who are rebuilding their lives after abuse. The loans support any activity that increases a woman’s safety and can include funding rent arrears or deposits, utility costs, education or training, household set-up, storage or moving costs, safety repairs or upgrades, transportation, employment supports, legal costs and supports for immigrant women.

The United Way is working with four local agencies to deliver this initiative: Women's Community House, Women's Rural Resource Centre Strathroy and area, Daya Counselling and LUSO Community Services.

The support of this program was made possible thanks to individual donors and corporate partners including the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and local Royal LePage agents in London who contribute a portion of their home sale commission to the cause and also raise funds though the annual “Garage Sale for Shelter”.

An Inspirational Video for all of you!

Common Threads Groups starting in October for those in counseling for partner abuse and want to learn more

Are you are currently receiving counseling for partner abuse and want to learn more? Common Threads is a 12 week education group focused on women abuse education. Session topics include institutions and culture, defining abuse, impact of abuse, personal stories, coping and survival skills.

The group is being offered on Tuesday evenings 6-8:30 or Thursday mornings 9:30-12:00 starting October 5th. Call Jen 519-246-1526 ext 221 to register.

Back Back Donations recieved from Bell Canada employees

Thank you to Bell Canada employees who dropped off 13 filled back packs today!

Partnership with St. Vincent DePaul changes our donation policy

due to limited space we can no longer accept used clothing and household good donations at WRRC. Please take your donations to St. Vincint DePaul, they will provide our client's with free vouchers to obtain needed items.
Thank you!

Spa Day at WRRC for clients August 28th

Thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers from the Calvary Pentecostal Church clients are invited to attend a Spa Day at WRRC on August 28th, 11am - 1pm. Light refreshments & childcare available. Space is limited so please register at 519-246-1526.

Registration now open for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Strathroy

Registration now open for Walk a mile in Her Shoes Strathroy Sept. 26. Reserve your shoes today!

At^lohsa Walk/Run to End Violence Against Women
5/10 K

August 28, 2010
Springbank Gardens, London ON
10am – 2pm

$15.00 Registration fee which includes a
ticket for the Barbeque Lunch

Prizes for best time and most sponsorship money to be awarded at the Barbeque from 12pm– 2:00pm at the Springbank Gardens Pavilion (off Wonderland Road)

Toonie Auction, raffles and more!


Come out and show your support to
END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!!

For more information or to register for the walk/run please contact Priscilla 519-432-2270 ext 226 or e-mail priscillas@atlohsa.com

foodbank cupboards are empty!

The community food bank needs your donations now. Drop off non perishable food to 145 Beech Street Strathroy. Someone is here 24/7 to take your donation!
Thank you!

Get your team together for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Strathroy

Have you got your team together yet for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on September 26th? Enter a team of your friends, co-workers, sports team, or service club. On line registration opening in a couple of days!

Welcome to WRRC's blog. We invite you to comment, share and join in the cause to end abuse against women and children.