Northern Women's Centre

We have finally reached the last post of our 30-day Highway of Tears awareness and safety campaign! It goes without saying that the topics we’ve covered are still very much evident in our communities. It is important that we keep discussing the underlying issues of colonialism, racism and sexism and their impacts on Canada’s Indigenous communities. It is critical that we consider these difficult/uncomfortable subjects, and often, to increase awareness and protect our Indigeno...us sisters. With this in mind, we wanted to leave you with some important dates to celebrate women and children for the rest of the year: February 11 Moose Hide Campaign Day February 14 Annual Women’s Day Memorial March March 8 International Women’s Day March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination April 17 Equality Day May 15 International Day of Families June 4 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression June 21 National Aboriginal Day June 28 Anniversary of Bill C-31 (Canada) August 9 International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples September 21 International Day of Peace . Third Friday in September - Take Back The Night October 4 Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil (Canada) October 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty October 18 Persons Day (Canada) November 20 National Child Day November 25 December 10 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women December 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada) December 10 International Human Rights Day

The Northern Women's Centre is a 24/7 safe space on campus for ALL self-identifying women in Prince George. It is a great place to hangout, do homework, network, relax or take a nap. We have a part-time coordinator and operate mainly with the assistance of our lovely volunteers. We offer support, referrals and advocacy for women in need or crisis as well as workshops, training, volunteering opportunities and access to community and library resources. Although the Women's Cen...tre is a space for women, men can access services by contacting our co-ordinator via email at [email protected] or via phone at (250) 960-5632. Here are some additional safety resources on campus: Campus Security Emergency x 23333 Security Non-Emergency 250-960-7058 Safe Walk - 250-960-7058 available 24/7, offers a safe walk to your destination on campus or to your vehicle Sexual Violence/Security Incidents 250-960-5535 Wellness Center 250-960-6369 Health Services 250-960-6370 First Aid 250-960-7058 UNBC Safe App on Google Play or Apple Store

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In order to maintain a healthy relationship, whether it be a friendship or partnership, it is important to discuss and respect each other’s boundaries consistently. Consent is defined in Canada’s Criminal Code in s. 273.1(1), as the voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. Sexual touching is only lawful if the person affirmatively communicated their consent, whether through words or conduct. Silence or passivity does not equal consent. ... The age of consent is the age at which a young person can legally agree to sexual activity. Age of consent laws apply to all forms of sexual activity, ranging from kissing and fondling to sexual intercourse. In B.C. the age of consent is 16. You may decide to take away consent and stop an activity at any time, even if you agreed to it prior It is important that you get consent every time you engage in a sexual activity keep asking for consent with each new activity and respect the answer you get Avoid gender stereotypes as these assumptions can be harmful women are not the only ones who might want to take it slow or communicate their feelings deeply, and men are not obligated to initiate all the action When in doubt, only a yes is a yes to anything - we should never assume anyone is okay with anything, whether that’s a sexual act, physical contact, a group activity, a topic of conversation or touching their belongings All sexual activity without consent is a criminal offence, regardless of age. #30DaysOfHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

Our previous posts have drawn a pretty grim picture of the hardships faced by victims and their families so we thought it would be nice to hear about what IS being done to address some of these issues. Since the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the Canadian government has taken action in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: Supporting the RCMP in reviewing and investigating the unsolved cases of missing and murd...ered women, including those from E-PANA (Highway of Tears victims) in British Columbia. Creating the MMIWG Commemoration Fund which has funded 15 programs in BC to date that honour the victims, support their families and attempt to raise awareness about the issue of MMIWG across Canada. Engaging with Indigenous organizations through It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence to put forward actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit People. Working with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak to ensure Métis women are involved in the policy-making process with the goal of improving their social and economic well-being. Signing an accord with the Native Women’s Association of Canada to include the distinct perspectives of Indigenous peoples in the development of policies, programs and legislation. Signing an MOU with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to establish a deeper relationship and address the issues that directly affect the well-being and safety of Inuit women and children across Canada. Use of the Indigenous Justice Program which offers community-based alternatives to mainstream justice processes in an attempt to prevent and address the root causes of violence against women and reduce their vulnerabilities to predation. Allocating $10 million towards the revitalization of Indigenous laws over five years. Implementation of Bill C-75, which offers measures to strengthen the criminal justice system's response to protect victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking and Bill C-78 which proposes amendments to the Divorce Act that would require courts to consider family violence during divorce proceedings. Source: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca//15595663316/1559566355192 #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

The goal of today’s post is to pay tribute to the women who have gone missing or been murdered along the Highway of Tears including, but not limited to: Lana Derrick, Nicole Hoar, Tamara Chipman, Shelly Ann Bascu, Monica Jack, Alishia ‘Leah’ Germaine, Gloria Moody, Gale Weys, Delphine Nikal, Alberta Williams, Aielah Saric-Auger, Cecilia Anne Nikal, Destiny Rae Tom, Roxanne Tiara, Natasha Montgomery, Jill Stuchenko, Cynthia Maas, Loren Donn Leslie, Bonnie Joseph, Ramona Wilson..., Pamela Darlington, Monica Ignas, Madison Scott, Michele Pare, Maureen Mosie, Colleen MacMillen, and Immaculate Basil. We would like to celebrate their lives and honour their memory today, and always. Another tribute to the missing and murdered women exists that you can be a part of in Canada and is known as the REDress project. It was originally created by artist Jaime Black, whose installations involved hanging red dresses in various locations to represent and honour the missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. Since its conception in 2010, the colour red has come to be commonly used across Canada to commemorate and draw attention to the issue of MMIW. In fact, May 5 is now Red Dress Day in Canada! The aim of the project was to force onlookers to confront the empty garments and be reminded of the human who once occupied the same physical space their absence and our subsequent discomfort is what motivates us to wish better for the women of today. https://www.highwayoftears.org/in-memory https://www.jaimeblackartist.com https://www.merrittherald.com/red-dress-day-in-effect-for-/ #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

In B.C. there is no waiting period to report someone missing and anyone can make a report - you do not need to be a member of the missing person’s immediate family! If someone you know is missing, take the following steps: Report the person missing to your local police force with as much personal information about the missing person as possible a checklist with detailed questions you can have ready for the initial report is available. Make sure you provide ...the most recent photographs of the individual and that you give a detailed a description of the missing person Pass along any relevant information to police and keep a detailed communication log to record all contacts and conversations. The NWAC Community Resource Guide has a template missing poster or you can make one online via MissingPersonsGuide.ca toolbox To report a child missing, or to notify police of a siting visit MissingKids.ca To view the current list of BC missing persons or Canada missing persons Seek support from family, friends and helping organizations. Call VictimLinkBC for crisis support, resources, or information 24/7 call 1-800-563-0808 or send an email to [email protected] People can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to provide anonymous tips with information about missing persons. https://www2.gov.bc.ca//cr/policing-in-bc/bc-police-forces https://docs.google.com//1nNq3QaFJ_a63qxHR76bBUuBd0vN/edit https://missingpersonsinformation.ca//Missing%20Persons%20 https://www.nwac.ca//2012_NWAC_Community_Resource_Guide_MM http://www.missingpersonsguide.com/toolbox/ https://missingkids.ca/en/ http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=464 https://canadasmissing.ca/index-eng.htm https://www2.gov.bc.ca//crim/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc http://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/ #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

The following programs assist men who are abusive and includes programs for their partners and families: John Howard Society https://johnhowardbc.ca/northern/services/ Stop Taking It Out On Your Partner (STOP) Program] https://johnhowardbc.ca/northern/services/stop/ Moose Hide Campaign https://moosehidecampaign.ca/ (Moose Hide Campaign Day: Feb 11/21) (Nation-wide) Prince George Activator Society ... https://www.activatorsociety.org/ [Trauma, Addiction and Relationship Program (TARP)] https://www.activatorsociety.org/program-and-counselling-se Prince George Native Friendship Centre with locations in Prince George, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, and Fort St. James http://www.pgnfc.com/programs_services.html Carrier Sekani Family Services with locations in Prince George, Vanderhoof, and Burns Lake http://redbookonline.bc211.ca//family_support___urban_prin Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community & Farm http://www.baldyhughes.ca/ Fraser Lake has a BC Men’s Shed location with an abundance of resources. http://mensshed.ca/mens-sheds-in-bc/ Smithers’ Northern Society for Domestic Peace has a Domestic Peace program for intimate partner violence. Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin - I Am a Kind Man Campaign (Nation-wide) http://www.odawa.on.ca/programs/kizhaay.htm Relationship Violence Program (RVP) by Stroh Health Services via The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General offered in 45 locations Some treatment centers and outpatient centers in BC for mental health and substance use are funded by the First Nations Health Authority, and an application for subsidy can help with the cost for those eligible. https://www.fnha.ca//First-Nations-Treatment-Centres-in-BC https://treatment.fnha.ca/ Canada-wide list of suicide hotlines and crisis lines https://www.therapyroute.com//suicide-hotlines-and-crisis- For more resources in your community please contact VictimLink mailto:[email protected]?subject=Victim%20Services at 1-800-563-0808 #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

Safety online is a difficult topic to speak definitively on as there are constant technological advances that increase the accessibility of the internet. With increased accessibility to unsafe or damaging content/websites/chatrooms/video conferences etc. it has also increased the need to exercise caution when navigating the internet. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe online: When visiting chatroom and websites, avoid giving out personal information (such as you...r address or photographs), meeting up with people you have met over the internet, or using your webcam. Unless in active use place a cover over your webcam. Use the privacy settings for the social network you use and pick different passwords for each different site or service you use. Minimize the disclosure of identifying information such as your location or phone number, even on Facebook. Use caution when talking to or meeting new people online bring someone with you when meeting up and tell people your plans. Be wary of online frauds and scams if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Do not share any banking information without first speaking in-person to the individual or company you are sharing it with. Don’t discuss sex with anyone online gangs and human trafficking recruiters have been known to utilize online tools such as online classified ads in Kijiji or Craigslist to lure women (and men) into dangerous situations. . Be aware that when you are applying for a job, many employers go on sites such as Facebook to check and see if you are a good candidate for their organization. #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

In order to reduce the chances of victimization we have a few suggestions for how to party safely: Find out what kind of party it is before you go, for example; they may be strangers outside your age group or excessive alcohol and drugs may be consumed. Be sure to tell a family member or friend where you are going and what time you plan to be home. Eat before you go out as food slows the absorption of alcohol. Agree with friends beforehand who will be the designated d...river and will not be drinking alcohol. Do not accept an open drink from anyone if someone offers to buy you a drink accept it from the bartender yourself or ideally stick to drinks you brought & mix them yourself. Drinks should never be left unattended - watch your drinks at all times. Keep your drink in your hand where you can see it - including taking your drink to the dance floor or washroom. Even trusting a friend to watch your drink does not guarantee they will not look away. If you happen to put your drink down and lose sight of it, pour it out. If your drink looks, smells, or tastes strange, pour it out. Have some water or juice between each alcoholic drink and remember that only time can help you sober up. Do not rely entirely on your friends to get you home. Should your friend decide to leave the party with someone else, make sure you have enough money for a cab just in case. Never try to walk home alone late at night or accept a ride or walk home with someone you have just met at a party. Use The Buddy System: you watch out for your friends, and they watch out for you. If your friend seems too intoxicated or is behaving erratically they may have been drugged (see our previous post about drug-facilitated sexual assault). Have a safety plan with alternate contact numbers (friends, family, etc.) in case your initial arrangements fall through. #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault: * Sexual assault, defined as any form of sexual contact without a person’s consent, including the threat of sexual contact without consent, is a crime that affects people of all genders, ages, abilities and ethnicities. * The sexual assault is considered to be drug-facilitated if a drug is administered to incapacitate the victim and render them unable to consent to sexual activity. * Common examples of rape drugs inclu...de: Ecstasy/MDMA, Rohypnol, GHB, BZP, DXM, and Ketamine, Cocaine and Crystal meth, which range from powder to liquid and sedate the victim within approx. 20 minutes. * Keep in mind that ALCOHOL is the #1 drug used for rape! * The symptoms of these odourless, colourless and tasteless sedatives include loss of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, loss of inhibitions, impaired or fuzzy memory, hot/cold flashes, severe headache, feeling paralyzed, vomiting and the feeling of being in a waking sleep. * If you or someone you know suspects that they have been drugged and/or assaulted, do not shower and go to the hospital emergency as soon as the victim is ready. If possible, bring a family member or friend for support. * At the hospital, request a urine sample (to test for rape drugs) and a physical examination and try to bring as much evidence as you can: your glass/bottle, the clothing you were wearing, and the perpetrator’s glass/bottle. * Victims may also report the incident to the police but are under no obligation to do so. For more information on DFSA visit: The Devastation of Sexual Assault For victim services in your area please contact: VictimLink at 1-800-563-0808 #30DaysHighwayOfTearsAwarenessAndSafety

Leaving must be done with a careful plan in order to increase your safety. Here are a few ideas that may be helpful when you leave an abusive relationship: 1. Planning: a. Plan your emergency exits and keep your Emergency Safety Plan easily accessible b. Plan and rehearse the steps you will take if you have to leave quickly, and learn them well...Continue reading