Shine the light

By Chelsea Girard

The University of Windsor Womyn’s Centre sold purple scarves to bring awareness to domestic violence.

The Womyn’s Centre sold the scarves until the end of the November and all proceeds were donated to Hiatus House, a social service that provides confidential help for families experiencing domestic violence.

Karry Plaskitt, a Hiatus House representative, said the Womyn’s Centre participates in the Shine the Light campaign every year. The scarf symbolizes the courage a person undergoes while facing domestic violence.

“This is our sixth year taking part in the Shine The Light Campaign that originally began in London in 2010,” said Plaskitt. “The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of abuse against women, create a conversation about abuse and to show victims that we stand in solidarity with them.”

The Womyn’s Centre provides support for students, resources on safe sex, sexual health, feminine hygiene products and resources on domestic abuse. It is a gender inclusive, actively pro-choice University of Windsor student alliance service. The centre operates entirely through volunteers who keep it open and maintain the space during operating hours. They host events throughout the year to promote empowerment for women and other marginalized groups.

Victoria Pedri, a volunteer at the Womyn’s Centre, said nobody should let domestic violence slip through the cracks and everyone should talk to their partners, children and friends about it. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, culture, country or race.

“The Womyn’s Centre is beneficial on campus because it provides a safe and non-judgmental space for students to retreat,” said Sarah Noureddine, the Womyn’s Centre Coordinator. “It’s a space you can go knowing everyone will be empathetic and understanding.”

This year, the Womyn’s Centre hopes to match last year’s results of 2,000 scarves and raising over $14,000 in sales.