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