FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
YWCA URGES SOCIAL MEDIA USERS TO TURN ON THEIR SOUND TO HELP THOSE SUFFERING IN SILENCE
Organizations demonstrate that listening is the first step towards healing with clever PSA.
Lethbridge, AB – YWCA’s across western Canada have launched a campaign that urges viewers to stop and listen to survivors, as part of the Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. The week, which runs from May 27 to June 2, is a national event bringing together victims and survivors of crime, survivors advocates and survivor-serving agencies to help raise awareness about survivors’ issues.
The emotional Facebook videos of survivors silently suffering show the power of listening. When users finally click to listen, they hear the survivors’ internal monologue, struggling to come to terms with what’s happened to them. Why is it important to listen? According to Statistics Canada, half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. The YWCA acknowledges that while the statistic is shocking, the true scale of gender-based violence in Canada isn’t always reflected in the number of incidents that get reported, and that we all have a part to play in helping survivors.
“We know too many women are suffering in silence whether they’re experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse,” says Jennifer Lepko, CEO at YWCA Lethbridge & District. “We want this campaign to remind women that there is support available and remind the public that we all have a role to play in creating safer communities for all.”
On Facebook, 85% of people never listen to videos. Unfortunately, it’s a similar story when it comes to listening to survivors. The YWCA hopes these videos will show that when you take the time to listen, you can stop someone from needlessly suffering in silence.
The videos are part of a broader collaborative campaign initiated by YW Calgary, YWCA of Metro Vancouver, YWCA Banff, YWCA Edmonton and YWCA Lethbridge. This campaign includes broadcast throughout Alberta and southern British Columbia as well as online channels utilized by the above YWCAs.
To learn more about how YWCA Lethbridge & District can help survivors of abuse, visit ywcalethbridge.org.
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About YWCA Lethbridge & District
Since 1949, YWCA Lethbridge & District has been committed to enhancing the lives of women with programs and services that empower them, support equality and promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. The organization works to achieve positive change in the lives of women and their families by providing strong leadership & mentoring opportunities for women and girls; advocating for women with government & other stakeholders; and through the delivery of programs & services that empower women and girls and promote social & economic well-being. Part of the global YWCA movement and Imagine Canada-certified, YWCA Lethbridge & District is open to women of all ages, cultures and beliefs and is committed to the value of every human being.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Lepko, Chief Executive Officer
403-329-0088 | ceo@ywcalethbridge.org
