Media

News Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 11^th, 2019

Anova Sees Record Numbers in 2018

London, ON – Anova was forced to turn away women over 2,500 times from shelter last year due to lack of beds.  While women-identified people and their children are always given resources and options to mitigate risks, this data is highlighting the harsh realities of experiencing gender-based violence in London-Middlesex. It is continuing to impact lives on a daily basis in record numbers.

“Our community is in crisis,” says Anova Executive Director Jessie Rodger. “ Women-identified people are coming to Anova through our crisis line, shelters, and sexual assault centre in droves.”

The team at Anova is creative and resourceful, but is having a hard time keeping up with the demand for service. “It is time to recognize that gender-based violence can no longer be an issue relegated to special interest,” Rodger says. “We are calling on our community, including all levels of government, to address this urgent and life-threatening crisis.”

No one organization can do this alone. Anova encourages everyone to take part in advocating for a future without violence.

Data Highlights:

• 2,553: Number of times Anova turned women away from shelter due to lack of beds
• 11,195: Number calls to Crisis and Support Line (31 calls per day)
• 383: Clients served by one Family Court Support Worker
• 903: Hours of sexual assault counseling delivered by two counsellors
• 75: Women on the waitlist for sexual assault services

If community members would like to engage with city councilors, provincial and federal politicians and share their concern, a letter template will be provided. Letting those in power know communities are waiting for immediate action to fund programs appropriately means supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Anova encourages everyone to advocate for a future without violence.

For more information and stats, please find attached info graphic.

About Anova: Formerly Women’s Community House and Sexual Assault Centre London, Anova is Ontario’s largest shelter and sexual assault centre. Anova provides safe places, shelter, support, counselling, and resources for women identified people, their children, and all oppressed individuals to find a new start.

Media Inquiries:
Jessie Rodger
Executive Director, Anova
jessier@anovafuture.org
519-642-3003 x 2261

Name of MPP/Party Leader
Street Address
City/Town, Postal Code
Date

Dear (Mr. Ms. Mrs.) (Surname)

As a constituent in this riding, I am writing to you to express my concerns over the recent 2018-2019 data released by Anova in London, Ontario.

Sexual and domestic violence impacts our entire community. Over the past year, staff had to refuse space more than 2,500 times to women in danger. Think about that for a moment – more than 2,500 times to women whose safety was in peril – in our community.

The cost of violence against women and children is extensive – and not just economically speaking. It is well recognized that communities that cannot keep their most vulnerable members safe experience compounded difficulties. Women and children have a right to live safely in their homes and communities.

I call on you to commit to supporting survivors of violence in a manner that ensures that they have a safe place to go to in times of uncertainty and violence, and that organizations like Anova can deliver their much-needed services to all that request them.

Thank you for your commitment, and I look forward to receiving a response from you.

Sincerely,
Name
Address
City, Province
Postal Code
Email
Phone Number