Local organizations are shining a light on gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism.
The international campaign began on November 25 and will run until December 10, which is recognized as Human Rights Day.
The Sexual Assault Survivor's Centre Sarnia-Lambton and Women's Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton have partnered to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes during the 16 Days of Activism.
Public Education Coordinator Trish Vanoosterom, with the Sexual Assault Survivor's Centre, said gender-based violence is not an isolated issue, nor it limited to just 16 days.
"I think since post-COVID, we've seen an increase in intimate partner violence but our supports are here and we want the community to know that," said Vanoosterom. "People are coming through constantly so we know it's still happening and we do know that it's not one person's problem, it's not one gender's problem, we all as a community need to be educated, aware, and take action."
The two organizations have also worked with Lambton College to increase the circulation of relevant information.
Although the discussion may be uncomfortable or difficult, Vanoosterom said resources are available locally for victims of sexual assault or gender-based violence, or for those who suspect a loved one may be going through a traumatic situation.
Information can be found on social media pages associated with the Sexual Assault Survivor's Centre or Women's Interval Home. Support may also be sought by calling the survivors' centre at (519) 337-3320 or the interval home at (519) 336-5200.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign began as a way to honour the memory of the Mirabal sisters, the political activists who were violently assassinated in the Dominican Republic in 1960.