On behalf of Second Story Women's Centre, I would first like to acknowledge Mr. Oakes for his response to our plans for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women ("Not all men are abusers", December 15).

 Part of the work of women's centres, to raise awareness about an issue like gender-based violence, is to engage our communities in conversation about the topic. Mr. Oakes has shown courage and honesty in sharing his observations and opinions in a public forum.

 Mr. Oakes focused much of his concern on domestic violence, just one of many forms of violence women and girls may face in all areas of their lives. Adolescent girls deal with harassment and unwanted touching in school and in the community; women in any workplace may confront acts of violence from customers, clients or coworkers; girls and women are sexually assaulted in private and in public places, by strangers or friends or family. And yes, the majority of people who are the targets of violence even in their own homes are women and girls.

 From Second Story's point of view, as a feminist organization with a mandate to enhance the lives of girls and women through intervention, prevention and community development, the process to end violence against women is just as complex as the causes and results of violence. And it must involve as broad a range of choices and changes.

 The first of our choices has already been demonstrated admirably by Mr. Oakes - to discuss the subject openly, to ask questions, to assert experiences, to share information. Other choices will be even more challenging. We will need to ditch old habits, rewrite well-entrenched policies and change how we spend our money.

 We look forward to continuing the conversation and to making change.

 Join us on February 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Lunenburg Library for a Small Communities/Big Ideas session on the subject.

 Joanne Jefferson
 Community Relations Co-ordinator
 Second Story Women's Centre, Lunenburg

posted on 01/26/10