November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month

Denyse Horner Family Transition Place board member wearing a Wrapped in Courage purple scarf holding up a sign saying love should not hurt

Woman abuse is not a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue, and it affects us all. Together, we can work to eliminate woman abuse. Indeed we must. Every woman and child has the fundamental right to live in safety and security.

Every year, throughout the month of November, Woman Abuse Prevention Month (WAPM) is recognized in communities and organizations across Ontario. WAPM exists to drive awareness, education and a willingness to help end violence against women in our province, and ultimately, around the globe.

This year, let’s Shine the Light on Woman Abuse by lighting up making our communities purple.

Developed by the London Abused Women’s Centre, the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse initiative encourages communities to help spread awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence by lighting up their spaces with purple bulbs. Purple light bulbs and lawn signs (help spread the message and let your friends and neighbours know what the purple light represents!) are available (sold separately) for purchase—$10 each.

In the media: Family Transition Place looks to turn the community purple in support of Woman Abuse Prevention Month | Orangeville Citizen

LINK TO OUR ONLINE SHOP

All proceeds from the sale of bulbs and signs will support our vital programs and services.

Other ways you can show your support for those who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence (GBV):

	• Show women who have experienced GBV they are not alone by purchasing a Wrapped in Courage purple scarf (see section below)
	• Reach out to your local leaders to ask about their awareness and actions related to femicide and ending GBV
	• Learn more about femicide in Ontario via www.oaith.ca/oaith-work/we-count-femicide-because/
	• Attend a local flag-raising ceremony (see section below)
	• Post and share photos and videos of your space lit up in purple or Wrapped in Courage flags and scarves with #WAPM2025

November 25th is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence ending on Human Rights Day (December 10th).

Thank you to this year’s participating businesses!

Wrapped in Courage Campaign

Family Transition Place (FTP) is proud to be participating again in the Wrapped in Courage campaign, an initiative developed by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH). You can support this initiative and FTP in working to end violence against women in Dufferin and Caledon by wrapping yourself in a purple scarf. Your pet can also join this initiative—a limited number of large and small “Hope” pet bandanas are available for purchase.

The Wrapped in Courage purple scarf is more than just a scarf. It is a symbol of your commitment to gender equity, throughout and beyond Woman Abuse Prevention Month this November.

LINK TO OUR ONLINE SHOP

All proceeds from the sale of Wrapped in Courage items will support our vital programs and services.

Please contact Kelly at 519-942-4122, ext. 243 or kelly@familytransitionplace.ca for more information.

Please visit the Wrapped in Courage website for more information on this annual campaign.

2025 WAPM Recognition

Town of Shelburne
Proclamation reading and flag-raising ceremony: Monday, November 24, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Media: Town of Shelburne proclaims International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women | Spare News | pentictonherald.ca
Shelburne Town Hall
Town of Shelburne Proclamation

Town of Orangeville
Proclamation reading and flag-raising ceremony: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Orangeville Town Hall
Town of Orangeville Proclamation

Town of Caledon
Proclamation reading and flag-raising ceremony: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 2 p.m.
Caledon Town Hall
Town of Caledon Proclamation – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Town of Caledon Proclamation – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Dufferin County
Proclamation reading: November 13, 2025, Council Meeting
Flag raising: November 25, 2025
Dufferin County Courthouse (55 Zina St, Orangeville)
Dufferin County Proclamation

Township of Mulmur
Proclamation motion carried at November 5, 2025, Council Meeting
Township of Mulmur Proclamation

Township of Melancthon
Proclamation motion carried at October 16, 2025, Council Meeting
Township of Melancthon Proclamation

Town of Mono
Proclamation motion carried at November 12, 2025, Council Meeting
Town of Mono Proclamation

Town of Grand Valley
Proclamation motion carried at November 10, 2025, Council Meeting
Digital flag to be raised
Town of Grand Valley Proclamation

Township of Amaranth
Proclamation motion carried at October 15, 2025, Council Meeting
Township of Amaranth Proclamation

Township of East Garafraxa
Proclamation motion carried at November 12, 2025, Council Meeting
Township of East Garafraxa Proclamation

Did You Know?

Pets are welcome in our shelter. Having a family pet can deter a woman from leaving an abusive situation if they are unable to bring the pet with them to safety.

The courage of a woman is not enough. Wearing a purple scarf shows women who have experienced domestic violence they are not alone.

FTP provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Family Transition Place is much more than a shelter. We also provide abuse and sexual violence counselling, legal and housing support, addiction support, mental health support and healthy relationship education

Last year, FTP's counsellors provided woman abuse counselling to 261 women.

Family Transition Place provided safe shelter for 60 women and 33 children last year

Are you being abused or suspect someone you know is being abused? Need more information or help? Visit us at www.familytransitionplace.ca or call our 24-hour support line at 1-800-265-9178.

We are here to help.

Your support help support FTP’s critical education, counselling and shelter programs.