Chatham Kent Women's Centre
20 Sandys Street N7L 4Y5 Chatham, ON, Canada

Chatham Kent Women's Centre provides safe, confidential and accessible emergency shelter services for women and their children/dependents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For confidential crisis counselling and support, please call the Chatham Kent Women’s Centre at 519-354-6360.

Thank-you to Concentrix Chatham for donating to the 'I Believe' campaign!

Thank you to South Kent Dental in Blenheim for collecting items for our ‘ I Believe’ Christmas program.

The holidays can be a tough time for anyone, if you are a domestic abuse survivor read these helpful tips to try to reduce holiday stress. https://bit.ly/2UCZHOe

No amount of me trying to explain myself was doing any good. I didn't even know what was going on inside of me, so how could I have explained it to them? Sierra D. Waters, Debbie. You are not alone. Call us 24 hours per day 7 days a week. Crisis Line: 1-800-265-0598 or 519-354-6360

Holiday Help Out!

Sometimes you just need to hear these words.

The violence children witness and hear has devastating effects on them. You can end the cycle of violence in our community! Call the CK Women's Centre today, we offer FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services in French & English. - Counselling - Transitional Support - Housing Support ... - Personalized Support Crisis Line: 1-800-265-0598 or 519-354-6360 See more

Happy Halloween from all of us at The Chatham Kent Women’s Centre! Please be safe this evening and remember to follow our tips for Halloween Safety for Domestic Violence victims.

From all of us at Chatham Kent Women's Centre we want to thank Riverview Gaming Centre for supporting us as a charity! Please like their Facebook page and be sure to check out Parking Lot Bingo, every Friday in November! https://bit.ly/32UL2m6

Don’t forget November 21st the last day for Online ZUMBA by Donation with Christina Lucia. Class starts at 10am through Zoom. Please register here and donate what you can. All donations go directly to the I Believe Campaign! https://bit.ly/31TnhdM

Keep trying. We are here for you if you need help. 24/7 crisis line 519-354-6360

We are taking donations for masks - 100% of the proceeds go to The Gift CK See the post below for more info on how to get yours!

Help someone get out of a toxic relationship by sharing this empowering letter. #endabuse https://bit.ly/3kEYFgn

The 2020 "I Believe" Campaign has officially begun! In person donations are always preferred, (please let us know your donation is for the "I Believe" Campaign), however, you can donate online as well. https://bit.ly/2IMGR1r

Please read and be aware of what's happening right in our backyard...

Thank-you so much to the Tilbury Kinsman Club for the donation for the I Believe Campaign.

Tampon Tuesday looks a little different this year but you can still get involved!

Domestic Violence is on the rise in Canada. Here are some fact to help you understand why home isn't always sweet. 25 % of all violent crimes reported to police involve family violence. 70% of the victims of police-reported family violence are girls or women. Police-reported rates of intimate partner violence are highest among women 25 to 34 years of age. 25% of all police-reported violence against children and youth are committed by a family member, with girls four times ...more likely than boys to be victims of sexual assault or other sexual offences by a family member. 65% of spouses accused of homicide had a history of family violence involving the victim. This was most often the case when the spousal victim was estranged from their partner, including those divorced and separated. See more

Leaving is a long, difficult, dangerous and complicated process. Victim-blaming, trauma, self-doubt, financial challenges, and lack of support are just some of the issues Survivors face. The support of family and friends can make all the difference. https://bit.ly/3gOG5Qb

Throughout the years the holiday season has been a special time providing our women and children in need an opportunity to feel the generosity of the community. The I Believe Campaign was developed to recognize hope and belief that things can get better. In person donations are always preferred (please let us know your donation is for the "I Believe" Campaign), however, you can donate online as well. https://bit.ly/2IMGR1r

Sometimes it can be hard to recognize emotional abuse. If you want to leave and have any doubts take a look at this checklist and reach out to us if you need further assistance. https://www.cultrecover.com//pdfs/Emotional_Abuse_Checklis

With Halloween this weekend we want to share some Halloween Safety tips for Domestic Violence victims. Costumes: Choose costumes for you and your children that have a mask, hood, wig, etc. to hide your identity. Face paint is not enough to be completely inconspicuous. Choose costumes that hide any identifying features such as birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc that may be visible on your arms or legs. Choose a costume and accessories that allow movement. Having a costu...me that is restrictive or doesn’t allow movement can slow you down if you need to make a quick escape. Avoid wearing flip-flops, shoes with heels or any other cumbersome footwear. This again could slow you down if you need to make a quick escape. Attach a flashing light or glow stick to your children’s costume. Routes: The safest way to trick-or-treat is to choose an alternative way such as ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ held by local law enforcement, schools, churches, or hospitals. If alternate trick-or-treating is not available then avoid neighbourhoods that the abuser may be familiar with. Instead, drive to a different city (preferable) or neighbourhood away from your normal route. Avoid going to a family or friend’s neighbourhood. Assume that the abuser will check those neighbourhoods first. Avoid trick-or-treating late at night; instead go at dusk and keep it brief. On the Route: Discuss safety concerns with your children. Come up with a code word that signals you need to stop and leave. Keep your cell phone easily accessible. If you have a protection order, make sure to have a copy on you. Be on the lookout for any strange cars or persons that seem to be following you. If you notice something or someone, stop trick-or-treating and get in your vehicle. DO NOT GO HOME; drive to the closest police station and wait until you feel you are safe. Alert the police if necessary. See more

From everyone at the Chatham Kent Women's Centre, we want to thank Chatham Starbucks for donating leftover bakery items to our women and children! Thank-you so much for your kindness and generosity. These delicious treats did not go to waste!

Happy Monday! DONATION NEEDED: We are currently in the need of an electric stove for one of our clients. Can you help? Send us a message.

Last week was Gender Equality Week. How are you getting involved in the movement? https://bit.ly/2SajYtC

Thank you all so much for making this our best event yet!

A special thank you to Heidi Bajcar and Iain Rice who raised $1,460 by walking 35 kms to Rondeau. We get tired just thinking about that journey - but we are so appreciative of your donation to the Chatham Kent Women's Centre.

Recovering from abuse is a journey that takes time. Here are some great ideas that will help survivors, who often put others first, be kind to themselves. Please share. https://bit.ly/34aqNSW

If you are being abused yourself, or if you suspect that a loved one is being abused, there is help available. Abusers use isolation as a form of control. Please know that at the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre we are here to help 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Crisis Line 1-800-265-0598 or 519-354-6360

A gentle reminder:

Abusers use sympathy appeals (I love you. Im lonely. I miss the kids.) and minimization (What happened wasnt so bad.) to try to get survivors to drop criminal charges. Researchers have identified a 5 stage process abusers count on to get what they want. Check it out because once you know an abusers tricks, its easier to get out: https://bit.ly/2PHikhy

Nothing can justify abuse.

Stuck at home with their abusers, often cut off from support systems, victims have found themselves facing an increased risk of abuse. Isolation is a powerful tool that many abusers use on their victims. https://bit.ly/2GKWWHb

On the upside, the break in the social pressure right now is a wonderful opportunity to lessen the gendered pressures of childhood. And studies show that children who defy gender norms do better in school. https://bit.ly/31f8D0J

We are still in need of donations, however, we CANNOT take any physical items like clothing or housewares at the moment. Please bring donations to Loads Of Love as the women from our centre will be able to shop there free of charge. Thank you Chatham-Kent for your continued support!

You're invited to Zumba By Donation with Cristina Lucia! All proceeds to benefit the CK Women's Centre "I Believe" Campaign. Saturday November 7, 14, 21 at 10:00am Online Class through zoom. https://bit.ly/34Z6E0Y

We need to make domestic violence as taboo as impaired driving. This article calls on Canadians to raise awareness, treat it as a serious health and safety issue, restrict abusers' access to weapons, reform law enforcement and the courts among other measures. Time for change! https://r29.co/30gYjEK

Abusers use sympathy appeals ('I love you.' 'I'm lonely.' 'I miss the kids.') and minimization ('What happened wasn't so bad.') to try to get survivors to drop criminal charges. Researchers have identified a 5 stage process abusers count on to get what they want. Check it out because once you know an abuser's tricks, it's easier to get out: https://bit.ly/2PHikhy

Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men. Even if you aren’t directly impacted, the chances are high that you have a friend, family member or coworker who’s been affected. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for bystanders of domestic violence.

A huge thank you to our friends Heidi and Iain who raised $1460 in less than 3 weeks for the Chatham Kent Women's Centre. On September 1st, they celebrated this accomplishment by walking from Chatham to Rondeau! Wow! Way to go!

Strong, confident girls grow into the strong, confident women who will choose healthy relationships. https://bit.ly/2Dxq0AN

While were still not able to accept all donations, we are looking for two adult bikes to be donated to the Chatham Kent Womens Centre. Can you help? Give us a call at the Centre? 519-351-9144 - We appreciate your support!

Lets remember there is strength in numbers; lets lift our neighbours in our journeys bringing up ourselves

Individual Outreach Counselling is provided to women across Chatham Kent. Counselling may include, however is not limited to, domestic violence issues; information on power and control; cycle of violence; healthy and unhealthy relationships and self-empowerment.

Take care of yourself first and let go of the things that make your journey harder than it needs to be!

While we're still not able to accept all donations, we are looking for two adult bikes to be donated to the Chatham Kent Women's Centre. Can you help? Give us a call at the Centre? 519-351-9144 - We appreciate your support!

Let's remember there is strength in numbers; lets lift our neighbours in our journeys bringing up ourselves

We offer supportive counselling to children between the ages of 5 and 18 who have been exposed to woman abuse in their home. We also offer parenting support to women whose children have witnessed woman abuse. Programs offered: Children's Group, Mom's Group, Pre-school Child Witness Program Group, Self-Esteem Group. For more information, please call: 519-351-9145.

Our friends Heidi and Iain have joined together and created a unique fundraiser for the Chatham Kent Women's Centre. Join them as they collect donations for the children we service. On September 1st, they will be walking from Chatham to Rondeau. Phew! To donate, please contact [email protected].

Looking for transitional counselling and support? Please contact an Outreach Counsellor at 519-351-9144 to schedule an appointment. https://bit.ly/34o2WfW

Great tips on keeping kids safe from online abuse during COVID-19 or anytime. Please share to spread the word and help keep kids safe.

Sexual violence and other traumas can be combated through education; support those in your life developing their understandings of the world to practice critical thinking, looking at messages sent in the media and how they may be helpful or harmful to vast groups of people.

Did you know? The Chatham Kent Womens Centre offers 24 hour crisis counselling over the phone. Youre welcome to call anytime. https://bit.ly/2Ws8kKQ

A huge thank you to Cider Mill Blooms (and each and everyone of her supporters!) for raising $1,620 for Chatham Kent Women's Centre. Her fundraising with flowers for the Chatham Kent Women's Centre will continue until the first frost, so check her out for any upcoming announcements - cidermillblooms on Instagram.

We all need some positivity in our lives. Share with us an act of kindness that youve experienced in the last few days below. Lets brighten each others day and focus on the positive.

COVID-19 is making it more difficult for those at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. Signal for Help is a simple one-handed sign someone can use on a video call. It was launched by the Canadian Women's Foundation and can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way. https://youtu.be/AFLZEQFIm7k

Let go of the past. Heres to the next chapter!

Simply put, consent is permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something. Sexual consent means both partners agree to the sexual activity and understand what they are agreeing to. Consent is the foundation of sexual relationships and is needed for every sexual activity, every time. https://youtu.be/raxPKklDF2k

A special thank you to Cidermill Blooms. They are raising money for the Chatham Kent Womens Centre selling their gorgeous bouquets - with 100% of proceeds benefiting the centre. If youre interested in her next Fundraising with Flowers event, check her out on Instagram, or email [email protected].

And we are so proud of you.

Wed just like to remind people during these uncertain times that were here, and our doors remain open. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call our 24/7 Support Line: 519-354-6360

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes. Know the facts, learn the warning signs, and discover how you can help a loved one who may be experiencing domestic violence. Learn more: https://bit.ly/344O2vm

We all need some positivity in our lives. Share with us an act of kindness that you've experienced in the last few days below. Let's brighten each others day and focus on the positive.

82% of sexual assault victims under the age of 18 are girls and they are four times more likely to be sexually abused by family members than boys. Statistics Canada Educating yourselves and others on sexual violence and consent is the first step to keeping everyone safe.

Let go of the past. Here's to the next chapter!

Just because we cant be together, doesnt mean weve forgotten our amazing volunteers! We miss you, stay healthy and well!

Weve had several calls and messages about donations to the Chatham Kent Womens Centre. We thank you for thinking of us, but at this time we are unable to accept donations at our location until further notice. As always, monetary donations can be made online for those wishing to support the Chatham Kent Womens Centre: https://bit.ly/2IMGR1r We appreciate the communities understanding at this time, and as always, we thank you for your support.

A special thank you to Cidermill Blooms. They are raising money for the Chatham Kent Women's Centre selling their gorgeous bouquets - with 100% of proceeds benefiting the centre. If you're interested in her next Fundraising with Flowers event, check her out on Instagram, or email [email protected].

We'd just like to remind people during these uncertain times that we're here, and our doors remain open. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call our 24/7 Support Line: 519-354-6360

This is a great thread all about boundaries and trusting your gut. Important lessons to teach children as well... knowing they have the proper support to leave uncomfortable situations can make all the difference.

Your financial support in any amount goes a long way toward helping us provide assistance to women in Chatham Kent. Your donations help transform the lives of those so harshly impacted by violence and abuse. Thank you for your support! https://bit.ly/3fJ7EKR

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center shared a wonderful article that discussed how survivors of sexual assault can practice self care at this time. Traumatic events on the news whether or not theyre related to sexual violence - may bring those feelings associated with their own trauma back to the surface. The 5-4-3-2-1 Exercise can help individuals ground themselves when their levels of anxiety is high. If youd like to read the full article please follow the link: https://buff.ly/36IWamX

We are here to help. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Crisis Line: 519-354-6360 Toll Free: 1-800-265-0598

Just because we can't be together, doesn't mean we've forgotten our amazing volunteers! We miss you, stay healthy and well!

We've had several calls and messages about donations to the Chatham Kent Women's Centre. We thank you for thinking of us, but at this time we are unable to accept donations at our location until further notice. As always, monetary donations can be made online for those wishing to support the Chatham Kent Womens Centre: https://bit.ly/2IMGR1r We appreciate the communities understanding at this time, and as always, we thank you for your support.

"What is needed is a preventative approach that allows for the dismantling of intersecting systems of oppression that leave women vulnerable." https://bit.ly/32AFuxY

The Chatham-Kent Shoebox Project is going virtual this year! Be sure to join them on Facebook for all upcoming updates and to make a difference in the lives of women in shelters!