Shine a Light
Image description: Text ‘Shine a Light’ on background of a purple galaxy and a candle in the foreground.
During 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25 to December 10, we call on everyone to take action!
For December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we’re asking everyone to light a candle to remember the women, Two Spirit folks, and non binary folks murdered this year and to rekindle the fight to end sexist violence.
You can post a picture of your candle with a message of support for those who we’ve lost this year and show your commitment to fighting for those who are experiencing violence.
Image description: Picture of hands holding a lit candle in a glass cylinder. In the background, out of focus, are three more candles and a window.
Remembering
In Yukon, we are especially remembering Saengduean Honchaiyaphum, who was murdered in Faro by her ex-husband.
Preventable deaths
Femicide is preventable. We need to be able to recognize the warning signs and to take action.
Helping a Friend
Since most survivors never tell a helping professional, friends have a huge role to play in increasing safety and offering support to folks who are in abusive relationships.
When a friend trusts us with their story it’s important to:
Believe them.
Let them know it’s not their fault. They did not cause the assault.
Listen. Listen. Listen. This can be really difficult as we want to jump in and help, but please sit with them and listen. It can be a really big gift to your friend.
Validate what ever feelings they are having. There is no right or wrong way to feel after an assault.
Ask their permission before doing research or sharing their story. Sexual assault takes a tremendous amount of power away from survivors. Trusting survivors to make their own decisions after an assault is key.
Ask if they’d like to explore options instead of giving advice. Avoid ‘shoulds’ , ‘musts’, and pressuring your friend to do what you think is right. Survivors get to choose what happens next. You can ask if they would like more information about getting medial care, collecting evidence, or reporting options, and as supporters, we have to be OK with the possibility of hearing ‘no’. Get to know the resources that they might need. Click here to learn about Dawson City helpers.
Get support for yourself. It can be tremendously hard to sit with a friend who has been hurt. You deserve support too. The tricky part can be getting confidential support. You’re the expert at taking care of yourself and know that DWS’ 24 Hour Support Line has got your back to help to brainstorm resources and with confidential supportive listening - 867.993.5086.
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