YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has announced it is ending the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in Peterborough after 11 years, according to a media release.
“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all past participants, sponsors and volunteers whose shared compassion has resulted in more than $950,000 in critical funding for women who experience violence,” says YWCA’s Ria Nicholson, organizer of the 2019 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
The annual event is usually held in late May. In 2019, the event raised $103,028 for the YWCA Crossroads Shelter.
While the May event would have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton does not say whether the pandemic was a factor in its decision to end the event. However, the organization is currently focused on the consequences of the pandemic when it comes to domestic violence.
“Unfortunately, the effects of physical distancing are complex and will be long-lasting, particularly for women we serve,” says YWCA Peterborough Haliburton executive director Kim Dolan.
“While physical distancing is essential in reducing exposure to COVID-19, isolation and uncertainty are creating additional barriers and risks for women who are now trapped and have fewer opportunities to get help. We anticipate dramatic increases in the need for shelter, safety planning, and crisis support over the coming months.”
The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, which represents over 70 shelters across Ontario, has said 20 per cent of their organizations have experienced an increase in calls related to domestic violence since the pandemic began.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Minister for Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef has said there has been a 20 to 30 per cent increase in rates of gender-based violence and domestic violence in some regions of the country.
On April 4th, the federal government announced up to $26 million in funding for Women’s Shelters Canada to distribute to approximately 575 violence against women shelters across the country.
To learn more about YWCA Peterborough Haliburton services for women and children, visit www.ywcapeterborough.org, call 705-743-3526, or email info@ywcapeterborough.org.
