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WHAT'S NEW

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

11/25/2021

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Today marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

As it is also still Domestic Violence Awareness month, we thought we would start by sharing the latest figures on domestic violence in Nova Scotia. The NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women released the infographic below a year ago, using statistics from 2019. It shows that:
  • women reported incidents of domestic violence to police more than three times the rate of men.
  • the rate of police-reported domestic violence against women increased by more than 14% in 2018, compared to 2016. This was higher than the national rate of 10.4%.
  • 37 women were murdered by their intimate partner between 1999-2019

These numbers all pre-date the Covid-19 pandemic, which, as we know by now, has cut off many folks who have been subjected to domestic violence from their supports and also forced them to lockdown at times with their abusive partners. 
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National Addiction Awareness Week

11/24/2021

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It is #NationalAddictionAwarenessWeek. Something that we can all do to lessen the stigma against addiction in our society, is to take more care in the way we talk about and think about addiction. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use says "Stigma is a significant barrier to wellness and good health for people who use substances." To learn more about why that is and how you might lead with compassion in this area, check out their quick primer.

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#GivingTuesday is one week away!

11/23/2021

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Next week is #Giving Tuesday!
Today we would like to share some statistics about what we do at Second Story Women's Centre and what your generous donations make possible.
In 2020-21 we:
  • Engaged 70+ youth in programming
  • Offered 1466 hours of free counselling
  • Made over 609 outreach visits in the community
  • Made 63 referrals to other community
organizations

We couldn't do it without the generosity of our donors. This has been one of our busiest years ever. The need for Second Story's free programming and services in our community is strong. Please consider supporting women and gender-oppressed people in Lunenburg and Queens Counties by donating to Second Story this Giving Season at secondstory.ca/donate.

...and don't forget, everyone who donates to SSWC in the month of November gets their name put in a draw for a two-night stay at a South Shore cottage!
PS: If you want to tell your friends on social media that you are supporting Second Story Women's Centre for #GivingTuesday and encourage them to consider doing the same, here are some graphics you can use!
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This one is best for Twitter. Just right click and save it!
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This one is best for Facebook and Instagram posts!
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....and this one is best for Facebook and Instagram Stories!
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Transgender Awareness Week & Transgender Day of Remembrance

11/17/2021

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Content Warning/Trigger Warning: This post contains discussion of suicide and violence against Transgender People. Please read on with care.

November 13-20 is Transgender Awareness week, which culminates in the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. The TDR is a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.

According to Stats Canada findings in 2018, 
  • Transgender Canadians were more likely to have experienced violence since age 15, and also more likely to experience inappropriate behaviours in public, online and at work than cisgender Canadians.
  • Transgender Canadians were more likely than cisgender Canadians to have used drugs or alcohol to cope with abuse or violence experienced in their lifetimes.
  • Transgender Canadians were more likely to report their mental health as poor or fair than their cisgender counterparts, and also more likely to have seriously contemplated suicide in their lifetimes. They were also more likely than cisgender Canadians to have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.
​We know from the Canadian Mental Health Commission's factsheet on Transgender People and Suicide that supportive and strong relationships with family and friends, access to gender affirming health care, and having one’s name and pronouns accepted can help reduce the risk of suicide, so we'd like to share some resources to help support our community 

This 'Beginner's Guide' from the Ryerson Centre for Women and Trans People is a good place to start:

​We would also like to share:
  • Learn more about the state of Gender-Affirming Care in Nova Scotia and how you can help make NS the most Trans-inclusive province in Canada
  • Trans and Gender Diverse Mental Health, Wellness and Suicide Prevention Toolkit from SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, and Wisdom2Action
  • Trans Journalists Association's Style Guide - This document is intended for journalists and members of the media to use as guidance for more accurate and sensitive reporting, but also includes a glossary of terms and some other advice that might be helpful for cisgender folks who are looking to learn and better support trans folks.
​
Number to Know : Trans Lifeline's Canadian number: 1-877-330-6366. Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support and is run by and for trans people.

Finally, because we can't say it enough: Second Story Women's Centre's feminism is trans-inclusive. We serve women and gender-oppressed people in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

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Domestic Violence and Money

11/17/2021

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Today for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to highlight some of the ways that money and finances come into play when it comes to domestic violence. The physical and emotional costs of domestic violence are fairly well known, but what about the financial implications of domestic violence for victims and society at large? Or the fact that financial control is often a tool of the abuser and a barrier to the victim's ability to leave the abusive situation? And we'd like to remind you of some of the financial supports that are available to Nova Scotians who have been subject to DV...

According to the Canadian Department of Justice in 2009, the economic impact of Domestic Violence is about $7.4 billion per year.  That estimate (which was considered at the time to be a conservative guess and is now 12 years old) included costs such as medical attention, lost wages, lost education, the value of stolen/damaged property, and pain and suffering (and sometimes loss of life) on the part of the victims, as well as social service operation costs, losses to employers, the negative impact on children exposed to spousal violence, and other government costs. 
As you can see, it can be incredibly costly for people who have been subjected to domestic violence to leave the situation. A reminder that Second Story is able to assist women and female-identifying Nova Scotians in Lunenburg and Queens Counties who need financial assistance to leave a domestic violence situation to access YWCA Halifax's December 6th Fund. The December 6th fund provides non-interest bearing microloans of up to $500 for housing-related costs (damage deposit, rent, power payments/arrears, moving or storage costs, and phone/internet payments). The loan repayment schedule is flexible, affordable and based on an individual's situation.  More info is HERE, or you can reach out to the Centre at info@secondstory.ca / 902-640-3044 to learn more or start the process.
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Meanwhile, financial control is itself a form of abuse. As Dr. Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, an expert in economic abuse  points out, financial and economic abuse can take many forms, from pressuring someone to leave their job to make them financially dependent on their abuser to jeopardizing someone's employment with incessant phone calls or intentionally causing lateness. Domestic violence and finances are intertwined in so many ways.
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Finally, as Dr. Nicola also mentions, one in five women have to take time off work because of Domestic Violence. We want to remind you that in Nova Scotia, employees are entitled to paid leave when they experience domestic violence, if they have been employed at their workplace for three months or more.

"Domestic violence leave can be taken by an employee who is experiencing domestic violence or whose child (under 18) is experiencing domestic violence.
The employee may take up to ten intermittent or consecutive days per calendar year. The employee may also take up to 16 consecutive (continuous) weeks per calendar year.
Up to three days of the leave must be paid by the employer.
To qualify for domestic violence leave, the employee must have worked with the employer for at least three months."


More details here:
novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/leaves

If you are being subjected to domestic violence: Harbour House in Bridgewater is our local transition house that offers shelter to women and children leaving domestic violence situations. They also offer free counselling to any survivors of gendered violence (including sexual violence, stalking, emotional abuse) and regardless of whether you have used their shelter services or not. Their 24 hour crisis line is 902.543.3999 / 888.543.3999.
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Donate to Second Story in November and win a two-night stay at a gorgeous Lunenburg County AirBnB cottage!

11/15/2021

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Thanks to an anonymous donor, anyone who makes a financial donation to Second Story during the month of November 2021 will be entered into a draw for a two-night stay at a gorgeous Lunenburg County Air BnB cottage!
  • Make a donation of any amount to Second Story in November and your name will be entered into the draw
  • The prize is a two night stay (for a max of 2 people) valued at approximately $250
  • Dates must be used by May 31, 2022 and are subject to availability
  • If you have already donated in November, you're in the draw!
  • The draw will be held in early December and the winner will be announced on our website, social media channels and in our e-newsletter.
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Resources to help spot human trafficking and sexual exploitation of youth

11/15/2021

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CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor. Read on with care.

We were horrified to learn about this young girl's rescue in Bridgewater, but unfortunately we weren't surprised. Nova Scotia has the highest rate of human trafficking and exploitation in the country. This is happening in our community.

We would like to recommend this free online training module that is available to all Nova Scotians, to help learn to spot the signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of youth, and how you can potentially offer support and options to the young person being trafficked. The more we all know about this issue, the better equipped we will be to end trafficking and exploitation in our province.
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Check out the learning module here: nscs.learnridge.com/modules/understanding-the-sexual-exploitation-of-youth-an-introduction/
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Meet Liessa

11/12/2021

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Second Story Women’s Centre recently had the pleasure of meeting an amazing 12-year-old girl from our community named Liessa!

“Ever since I was in grade four, I begged my mom to shave my head. She didn’t decide to let me do it until last week; however, she gave me one condition. First, I had to raise $500 to donate to a charity of my choice,” Liessa said. Support from friends and family quickly started pouring in; Liessa met her goal, and out came the clippers!
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“The reason why I chose Second Story Women’s Centre is because I wanted to find a local charity that I felt really followed the same values as I have. I believe everyone should be treated equal, regardless of gender,” Liessa said.
The reason why I chose Second Story Women’s Centre [to donate to] is because I wanted to find a local charity that I felt really followed the same values as I have. I believe everyone should be treated equal, regardless of gender - Liessa, 12.
The funds she raised are much appreciated. SSWC needs to raise $40-$50,000 per year just to stay open and often relies on the generous support of those who live in our surrounding areas. SSWC's Executive Director, Rhonda, says that serving hundreds of women, girls and other people who are gender-oppressed is resource-heavy. 
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“Fundraising is incredibly time consuming and whenever community steps up and helps out, that allows us to focus on our core work and support those who work with us,” Rhonda said. “This last year, even during a pandemic, we offered close to 1500 appointments in one year. This was in fact our busiest year ever.”
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Rhonda added that the pandemic has increased the complexity of their work. “Violence in our community has increased, isolation has not been kind to some, traffickers continue to prey on people in our community and housing is sometimes impossible to find. These are just some of the things people are bringing as issues to SSWC.” But, Rhonda concluded, during these challenging times, meeting a ray of light like Liessa sparks energy in the SSWC staff.

​This last year, even during a pandemic, we offered close to 1500 appointments in one year. This was our busiest year ever. - Rhonda L., SSWC Executive Director
Liessa is proud to show off her new haircut, and we think you'll agree that she looks great. (Check out the pictures below for the before and after!) Although she has surpassed her fundraising goal, she says she’s not finished yet; she’s looking to see if others can continue to support her efforts. “Any donation would be so helpful, even if it’s spare change,” she said.

If you'd like to support Second Story in Liessa's name and add to her fundraising total, you can donate at SecondStory.ca/donate and make sure you add ‘Liessa’ in the dedication line!
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November Fundraisers

11/9/2021

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We are so blown away by the generosity of folks in our community. There are several folks who are raising funds for Second Story this month...

Laura of Meguma Meadows Flower Farm is donating 30% of this week's online wreath sales to Second Story Women's Centre! 
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"And so begins, wreath season! We'll start with the everlasting florals then onto evergreens, berries, cones and all the festive holiday stuff.
Wreath season coincides with the season of giving and this week to kick things off I want to raise some funds for the amazing Second Story Women's Centre!
The Second Story Women's Center has a fundraising goal of $50,000 each year and their impact throughout our community is massive. They provide free counseling, compassion, and many other resources uniquely for women and gender oppressed people throughout Lunenburg and Queen's counties.
I believe empowered women are the backbone of healthy, vibrant communities. Second Story does SO much challenging support work behind the scenes. Work that affects all of us.
This week until Monday, November 15th, 30% of ALL wreath sales will be donated to the center! You can do this through our website.
Simply find the style and price point you like, and add a note indicating any color or design preferences. There is a 5$ delivery fee and your order will arrive to your door. Shipping outside of Lunenburg County is not currently enabled so contact us if you would like to arrange it.
"

Laura's work is truly stunning and we are so appreciative that she has chosen to support Second Story during the Giving Season. Check out Laura's work at megumameadows.com/shop!
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Melissa Morrison Jewellery is donating 20% of the sales of her 'Grit' earrings during the month of November! Not only are they stunning, but we LOVE the inspiration behind them:
"Perseverance, determination and showing up every day.
We all need a little encouragement to keep going from time to time.
Meet GRIT, the little earring that could.
A small but mighty earring available as a stud or modified earwire (shortened to hug the earlobe and not catch on mask elastics). Hand carved from from wax and cast in silver or bronze."


Check them out HERE.
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...And the kind folks over at Lunenburg Consignment are still selling jewellery with some of the proceeds coming to Second Story! Thank you to everyone for your support!
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

11/2/2021

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November is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Although violence within intimate partnerships can happen to anyone of any gender identity, stats show that women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people experience much higher rates (nearly double) of violence than men. Nearly 80% of those reporting intimate partner violence to police are women. Sixty-seven per cent of people who experience family violence are women and girls. (Shana Conroy, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, 2021).

According to the Canadian Women's Foundation:
  • Approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner (Statistics Canada, 2019).
  • Children who witness violence in the home have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children from non-violent homes (Eve Bender, Psychiatric News, 2004).
  • 6,000+ women and children sleep in shelters on any given night because it isn’t safe at home
  • It costs billions of dollars: $7.4 billion to deal with the aftermath of spousal violence alone (Department of Justice, 2009).
  • Domestic violence can carry over into the workplace, threatening women’s ability to maintain economic independence. More than half (53%) of study respondents who experienced domestic violence said that at least one type of abusive act happened at or near their workplace. Almost 40% of those who had experienced domestic abuse said it made it difficult for them to get to work, and 8.5% said that they lost their jobs because of it (Jennifer C.D. MacGregor et al., Safety and Health at Work, 2016).

We will be sharing information and resources all month on our channels about domestic violence and its effects. Check back to learn more.
  • Safely On Your Way - Child Custody and Access Information for Women Leaving Abusive Relationships.  A thorough guide that includes tips for leaving the relationship.
  • What to do if you think someone is being abused - from the Canadian Women's Foundation
  • Free Webinar: Register to attend the Coady International Institute's '1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back?" addressing gender-based violence in 2021. It is happening November 25. More details and registration here.
  • 'The perpetrators: inside the minds of men who abuse women' - New article from the Guardian in the UK, but applicable to our domestic violence problem here in Canada.
  • Numbers to know: Harbour House in Bridgewater is our local transition house that offers shelter to women and children leaving domestic violence situations. They also offer free counselling to any survivors of gendered violence (including sexual violence, stalking, emotional abuse and whether you have used their shelter services or not). They have a 24 hour crisis line: 902.543.3999 / 888.543.3999.


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PO Box 821, 18 Dufferin Street 
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, B0J 2C0

Second Story Women's Centre recognizes that we are on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People.  We honour the treaties that guide the relationships of our people.

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​Staff working remotely 10am - 1pm

* The Centre is closed and staff work from home when school is cancelled due to weather.
​* Appointments may be available outside of regular office hours.


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902-640-3044
Info@SecondStory.ca

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