Bobcats and HLC support YWCA Westman, Women’s Resource Centre for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Brandon University (BU) Bobcats and the Healthy Living Centre (HLC) are teaming up with YWCA Westman and the Women’s Resource Centre this month to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Throughout November, the Bobcats are wearing t-shirts with purple ribbons to bring attention to the issue and to encourage people to recognize, report and prevent domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence. Additionally, at the home basketball games on Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23, the Women’s Resource Centre, and YWCA Westman will have booths set up provide information about their services. All proceeds from the 50/50 that weekend will be donated to those two community organizations. Donations of items needed by YWCA Westman and the Women’s Resource Centre are also being collected this month at the HLC. This includes pajamas, warm outdoor wear, and toiletries.

“YWCA Westman is pleased to partner on this community initiative and thrilled that the Brandon University Bobcats are adding their voices to this important issue,” said Lois Ruston, Executive Director of YWCA Westman. “Situations of domestic and sexual violence are often surrounded by silence and shame, so the fact that the BU Bobcats women’s sports teams are casting light on this issue during Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month is very appreciated. We are thrilled that young women in our community are demonstrating leadership on this important issue, and we are confident that this campaign will amplify women’s voices on these crucial issues in our community.”

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue in Canada, with 44 per cent of women, ages 15 and older, reporting some form of abuse in their relationships. In addition, one in four individuals who are marginalized by gender experience sexual violence while in post-secondary education. Experts believe that IPV is even more common than suggested by these statistics due to underreporting.

“The Women’s Resource Centre is so pleased to work collectively with the YWCA Westman Women’s Shelter as well as the BU Women’s Basketball team for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” said Kim Iwasiuk, Director of Counselling and Advocacy at the Women’s Resource Centre. “Through collaborative efforts we can foster strong partnerships that bring awareness and increase our capacity to provide support for women and girls who are, or have experience Gender Based Violence, Intimate Partner Violence or Sexual Assault.”

Several Bobcat student-athletes have also reflected on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and what their participation means to them:

 Josie Black, Soccer:

“When speaking about participation in Domestic Violence Awareness Month we learned some alarming statistics, including the fact that women aged 15 to 24 are at higher risk than all other people for experiencing domestic violence. As female bobcats, we hope to advocate for these women and bring awareness on campus, we want to emphasize the importance to recognize, report, and prevent domestic violence.”

Grace Gallacher and Cassidy Hauta, Volleyball:

“As Bobcats, we want to create a safe and supportive community for everyone. By participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re showing that we care about the well-being of our peers and are committed to ending the silence around this issue, as well as setting an example to youth and peers around us. It’s important to keep this in mind because raising awareness can help prevent violence and support those who need it.”

Ireland Staples, Soccer:

“I believe that it is important to take an active role in this issue, because we can advocate through Bobcat Nation for everyone to recognize, report and prevent domestic violence. As a community, we can help remove the stigma surrounding speaking out against domestic violence. In our early discussions, we have learned that more than four in 10 women experience some form of violence in relationships, a statistic that opens our eyes to how important it is that we, as female bobcats, show our support for all individuals affected in any way by domestic violence.”

Cali Yates, Basketball:

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is crucial for shedding light on an important issue and offering support for those affected. As Bobcat athletes, it is our responsibility to use our platforms to drive meaningful change.”

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