The province of Ontario launched a public education campaign to help people recognize the signs of abuse and know what action to take in June 2006. The Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign is rolling out in communities across Ontario. The campaign includes new resources on How to Talk to Men Who are Abusive, Safety Planning for Women Who are Abused, and How You can Identify and Help Women at Risk of Abuse. The provincial campaign includes an excellent website with downloadable resources for community members: www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.on.ca

The Grey Bruce Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee launched the Grey Bruce Neighbours Friends and Families Campaign on November 16th.

Community Champion from all walks of life in Grey and Bruce have joined the campaign to get the word out to their networks that woman abuse can be prevented. Over the next months there will be public educations events in communities, at kitchen tables and in workplaces throughout the two counties.

Our Community Champions

Rev. Cathy Hird, Owen Sound
Dave Trumble, Grey Bruce Labour Council
Jan Johnstone, Trustee, Bluewater Board of Education Dan Purdon, South East Grey Community Outreach
Joachim Ostertag, The Men’s Program Grey-Bruce
John Christie, City Councillor, Owen Sound
Wendy Margetts, Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Care Centre
Peter Richards,Bruce Power
Paul Holmes, Inspector, South Bruce OPP, Kincardine
Bill Legate, Teacher, Markdale
Rev.Brian Goodings, Thornbury
Lewis and Marilyn Coffman, Paisley
Rev. Ed Laksmanis, Wiarton
Carol Burns, Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey
Kathi Cole, The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce)
Janet English, Tobermory
Trevor Dykstra, Sauble Beach

If you would like to join the campaign, or are interested in holding a public education event please contact:

Project Coordination: Colleen Purdon (519) 376-7145 cpurdon@bmts.com

Project Support: Trish Meekins (519) 372-1113 x 226 gboutreach@whsbg.on.ca