The Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee (StopVAW) collaborates to educate and inform Perth County about available services, with a mission to end violence against women.

We recognize that experiences of violence and abuse are often rooted in systems of oppression and shaped by diverse experiences. With this understanding, StopVAW is dedicated to advocating for education that addresses all forms of abuse in our community.

Our Purpose

→ To provide education to the community in order to prevent violence against women

→ To share service information, resources, and statistics to increase the community’s understanding of the complex dynamics of violence against women

→ To collaborate with other organizations to help ensure that women have up-to-date resources and information about legal, social and medical systems

→ To identify and address gaps in service and trends in service provision

Our Goals

Membership

Membership is open to organizations dedicated to addressing violence against women.

The committee meets monthly and actively participates in various national, international, and local projects and events to raise awareness and provide the community with resources aimed at ending violence against women.

Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth
City of Stratford, Social Services
Crown Attorney’s Office
Emily Murphy Centre
Family Services Perth Huron
Huron Perth Catholic District School Board
Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance - Sexual Abuse Treatment Program
Huron Perth Public Health - Sexual Health Clinics
John Howard Society of London
Ontario Provincial Police (Perth County)
Optimism Place
Probation & Parole

Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Shelterlink Youth Services
Stratford Police Services
Supervised Access Program
Victim Services Huron Perth
Victim/Witness Assistance Program
WELLCom Speech

About Violence Against Women

Violence against women involves the behaviour of an intimate partner with the intent to intimidate, by either threat or use of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse to partner or property. The purpose of assault is to control behaviour by inducement of fear. Underlying all abuse is a power imbalance between the victim and the offender. Intimate partner includes those in dating relationships, married couples, common-law partners, same sex partners and ex-partners. Abuse can happen inside or outside the home.

A Look at Violence Against Women in Perth County in 2025

3,657

Shelter Crisis/
Helpline Calls Answered

245

Women and Children in
Emergency VAW Shelter

76

Women and Children in VAW Second Stage Housing

Women Received DV/SV Counselling Support

719

940

Police Reported
Domestic Violence

220

Domestic Violence
Charges Laid by Police

95

Police Reported
Sexual Assaults

The 2025 Snapshot provides information on the reality of violence against women in Perth County. View the full 2023 Snapshot.

Important Days in the VAW Sector

  • March 8th – International Women’s Day (IWD)

    A global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.  More

  • May – Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Canada

    An opportunity to raise awareness about sexual abuse and support people experiencing sexual violence in this country.  More

  • May 5th – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

    May 5 honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people.  More

  • Third Friday in September – Take Back The Night

    Since 1976, women have protested rape and sexual assault through Take Back the Night These marches protested the violence and fear that women encountered walking the streets at night. These events developed into an international movement resulting in broader activities to raise awareness of violence against women.

  • November – Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario

    WAPM exists to drive awareness, education and a willingness to help end violence against women in our province, and ultimately, around the globe. More

  • November 25th – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

    It is every woman’s fundamental right to live in safety and security – free from the threat of violence – in her home and community.  More

  • The 16 Days of Activism (25 Nov – 10 December)

    This is an international campaign linking violence against women to human rights. The 16 day period links two significant dates: November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day.   More

  • December 6th – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

    On December 6, 1989, 14 women studying at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were killed in a gender-based act of violence. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  More