For all that you do, we thank you

Today I had the privilege of speaking to the Women Abuse Working Group, or WAWG as it is better known.  This group is a coalition of over 20 community agencies that work together to eradicate violence against women and children in Hamilton.

The group has a number of projects that they collaborate on each year and their latest project is really interesting and I believe it was just launched this last week.  Starting now I think, theater goers to Ancaster's Silver City movie theater will be treated to a pre-show quick little video which is designed to spotlight the reality of domestic violence in the home from a child's perspective.  Please go to the WAWG website to see this video http://www.wawg.ca It makes a very powerful statement.

We are a strong group of women, us survivors, but we have needed that firm wall behind us to help us to stand straight.  You have been the wall as well as the helping hand that has helped us up.  For all that you do, we thank you.

* Author's note: it is very common for women who leave a relationship because of domestic violence to worry that they made a mistake.  I know I went through a significant period of time that I agonized over whether I had done the right thing by leaving.  I loved my husband and after years of hoping that he would change, continued to battle that hope after I left.  I was fortunate to receive the support that while validating my desire for a happy marriage also helped me to stay focused on the reality of the situation.  I do not believe there is anything wrong in wanting your relationship to work, indeed  I felt sick at the idea that I was perceived as the one who wanted it over. It is, however, essential that you get the support that helps you to move forward.   Many of us leave knowing that we are still in love...it is one of the hardest decisions to ever have to make.