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Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) refers to all forms of sexual violence which occur in the context of an intimate relationship between current or former partners.

On Thursday, March 24th, the verdict in the Jian Ghomeshi sexual assault trial will be delivered. Individuals and organizations are getting together to show that #WeBelieveSurvivors.  Join us in solidarity to support the women who bravely testified, the countless others who could not go to the police, and people who have lived through sexual violence in our communities.

Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day in 2016 is “Women’s Empowerment Leads to Equality”.  It’s a theme that leaves us asking, “But doesn’t it also work the other way around?  Doesn’t equality also lead to empowerment?

February is among the bleakest months so most of us are thrilled to be among the two thirds of Canadians who are entitled to an extra holiday like Family Day.  But for anyone living in an abusive relationship, a holiday can be stressful and frightening.

We’re celebrating our Dads this Sunday – biological, adoptive, figurative -- you name it.  Because being a father doesn’t depend on chromosomes as much as it does on caring.  And it’s a big job what with the expectations to shoulder half of everything from the mundane tasks like diaper changes to driving the kids to soccer games and dance lessons to serving as an exemplary role model.

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate our moms – women who bring us into the world, raise us and love us no matter what we do.  They love us so much, they’ll even point out our faults without prompting and tell us how to do better!

People have been marking Women’s Day for more than 100 years -- since 1909, in fact.  The United Nations made it official in 1975, naming March 8^th as a day of celebration.  Thousands of events are held and there’s lots of talk about change but are we really making progress when it comes to gender equality? 

In 2015, we can and will move forward on changing social norms to eliminate domestic abuse.

The issues of abuse and violence against women were never far from the headline news last year.  Media coverage of the kidnapping of girls in Nigeria and the actions of famous men   Ray Rice, Jian Ghomeshi, Bill Cosby and their organizations, the NFL, NHL and CBC continued to drive conversations about gender inequality and woman abuse in 2014.  The news was disturbing but the conversations and positive action that have been generated can help propel society forward...

In fact, there’s a great deal of evidence to suggest that domestic abuse increases over the season.  Triggers can include financial worries, increased alcohol consumption, family pressures and expectations as well as the simple fact that people are off work and spend more time with those close to them.

Domestic violence not only affects victims.  It impacts their family, friends and neighbours too.  If you know someone you think may be in an abusive relationship, you can take steps to help them get through the holidays safely.