Purple lights bringing awareness to issue of men’s violence against women

Tim Brody - Editor

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 6, purple lights will illuminate the darkness in the storefront windows of several downtown businesses as well as the Peace Garden at St. Andrew’s United Church, all part of an effort to Shine the Light on Woman Abuse. 
This is approximately the 8th year Sioux Lookout has participated in the campaign to bring awareness to the issue of men’s violence against women.
On Nov. 25, recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, community members gathered at St. Andrew’s United Church for the start of the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign.
Kaylee McClain of Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle shared, “The campaign acts as a beacon of hope while reminding us there is still much work to be done. Shine the Light on Woman Abuse is an opportunity for everyone to reflect, learn, listen, and have open conversations about men’s violence against women to create change. Local businesses, corporations, schools, places of worship, and employment become change makers by joining the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign.”
She went on to share, “Each year, the campaign brings awareness to the issue of men’s violence against women. By participating, you show solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but the perpetrators of their abuse.”
The Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign has been organized locally by Sioux Lookout’s Violence Action Awareness Committee (VAAC), who have a goal to raise awareness by lighting our community with purple lights starting November 25th and ending December 6th, recognized as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The colour purple, VAAC explained, “Symbolizes courage, survival, and honour and has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse.”
In Ontario, November is identified as “Women Abuse Prevention Month”.