Bits and Bytes

Important to Remember!

When you are writing about the issue of violence against women it is critically important to also provide resource numbers for women who may want to reach out for help or support. Be sure to include the toll-free AWHL phone number and other appropriate local resources and supports in your piece.

Speak to an expert! Contact your local violence against women service (shelter, rape crisis centre, women’s centre, AWHL) and discuss your piece. You can also contact provincial agencies and associations such as:
OAITH (Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses), OCRCC (Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres), Education Wife Assault, DAWN (The DisAbled Women’s Network), AOCVF (Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes), ONWA (Ontario Native Women’s Association, or OCASI (Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrants).

Frontline women’s advocates are experts on the issue of violence against women and can give you a real “snapshot” of what is happening in your community in regards to violence against women. They can also provide an analysis of the issue of violence against women, which is intrinsic to writing an accurate and balanced piece. Frontline women’s advocates have been doing this work for over 30 years. If you are not sure how to contact advocates in your community please call the Director of Programs and Services at the Assaulted Women’s Helpline administration office and we can put you in touch with an expert in your community.

Violence against women is a complex and pervasive systemic issue, with multiple layers and differential impacts on different communities of women.

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