Embrave Agency raises awareness and funds to help end gender-based violence in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon

A Peel agency is taking steps to support the survivors and victims of gender-based violence by raising awareness through the Wrapped in Courage campaign.

The Embrave Agency to End Violence is an organization providing shelter, counselling and support for women, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary people experiencing any form of violence.

November is Women Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, and Embrave is asking residents in Peel to show their commitment to ending gender-based violence by wearing purple scarves.

The agency is selling scarves for its Steps to End Violence fundraising campaign, which will help with the cost of supporting survivors of gender-based violence through programs like its 24-hour crisis line.

Sharon Floyd, executive director of Embrave, said there have been 764 calls to the crisis line in the last year.

Embrave has seen a spike in request for assistance from survivors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Floyd said the agency has had to “pivot to provide virtual supports” including investment in technology and staff.

Floyd also said the risk of a fatality doubles when the victim of intimate violence leaves an abusive partner, and noted that three of the 12 homicides in Peel this year “have been femicides.”

Brampton City Hall will hoist a purple Wrapped In Courage flag on Nov. 25 for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and Floyd said Embrave will be petitioning Mississauga Council to do the same.

People suffering from intimate partner violence and gender-based violence can contact the Embrave 24-hour crisis line by calling (905)-403-0864.

For more information on the supports available to the victims and survivors of violence, visit Embrave.ca.

As part of the @wrappdincourage campaign we are wearing purple scarfs to show support for survivors of gender-based violence

Don't have a scarf? We will be selling purple scarves until December 10

Scarves are $20 for one or $35 for two

Email [email protected] for more info pic.twitter.com/QRPc8EzZze

— Embrave: Agency to End Violence (@Embrave_ca) November 10, 2021