Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County

06/11/2026

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!
Join us Friday September 18th for our 3rd Annual Take Back the Night event.

Take Back the Night is a global grassroots movement dedicated to ending sexual violence through rallies, to protest gender-based violence, shatter the stigma around sexual assault, and provide a safe space for survivors to share their stories.

Our event includes:
* Survivor Open Mic
* "No More Silence" Art Installation (by survivors)
* Community resources and supports on-site during the entire event
* Make your own protest sign and buttons
*March to end sexual violence in Perth

Stay tuned for more details!

For more information email: [email protected]

05/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for this event! Thank you to Rick Westhead for leading the conversation about harmful sports culture. Thank you to our sponsors Stratford Minor Hockey Association Stratford Municipal Golf Course Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

Please reach out if you need support or want to continue this conversation in Perth County!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYBFpAcjRbg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

05/06/2026

Thank you Mr. Nater for supporting our event!

Yesterday evening, the Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County hosted an important discussion on “Tackling Sports Culture Together.” The special guest speaker was TSN’s Rick Westhead who I had the privilege of getting to know during my work on the Heritage Committee in 2022. His book, We Breed Lions, tackles the difficult reality of hockey culture in Canada. It’s worth a read for anyone involved in sport at any level.

Thank you to the Stop VAW Committee, Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services, and all the partner organizations for hosting this valuable session.

05/05/2026

JOIN US TODAY for a FREE community learning event – Tackling Sports Culture Together – featuring award-winning journalist and TSN senior sports correspondent Rick Westhead, as part of our Sexual Violence Prevention Month campaign.

Tuesday May 5th
6:30 to 9pm
Community Hall, Burnside Agriplex (357 McCarthy Road, Stratford)

Event Includes:
* Keynote address by Rick Westhead
* Panel discussion with local community advocates who work with sports-involved youth
* Presentation about Coaching Boys Into Men program by Interval House of Hamilton
* Audience Q&A
* Books for sale by Fanfare Books with a book signing
* Opportunity to connect with local resources
* Photography by Media by Michael (instagram: media.by.michael)

This event brings together Rick Westhead's landmark investigative reporting with an urgent and timely discussion about what respectful, accountable sports culture can and should look like.

We hope everyone involved in youth sports will join us for this powerful event that will shine a light on persistent issues within sports culture and spark a conversation about how we can move together from awareness to lasting change.

Proudly sponsored by:
Stratford Minor Hockey Association
Stratford Municipal Golf Course
Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services


No registration required. Free parking onsite. Everyone welcome.







For media inquiries and event details, please contact: [email protected]

05/05/2026

Today is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Indigenous women in Canada experience the highest rates of violence and femicide.

On Red Dress Day, and every day, we honour the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S by listening to their stories and commemorating their strength and spirits. We stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue in the pursuit of justice, healing, and change.

To raise awareness and pay tribute: wear red, read the Calls for Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/), and support Indigenous led organizations such as Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)

05/04/2026

Join us tomorrow! FREE public talk by TSN Sports Correspondent and award winning journalist Rick Westhead!

Tuesday May 5th at 6:30pm
Community Hall, Burnside Agriplex, Stratford

Everyone welcome! Free parking. No registration.

Sponsored by
Stratford Minor Hockey Association
Stratford Municipal Golf Course
Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services


Fanfare Books will have "We Breed Lions" for sale at the event.

04/28/2026

Join us in ONE WEEK for this FREE community learning event featuring award-winning journalist and TSN senior sports correspondent Rick Westhead!

Tuesday May 5th
6:30 to 8:30pm
Community Hall, Burnside Agriplex (357 McCarthy Road, Stratford)

Thank you to our sponsors, who recognize the need for this important discussion about what respectful, accountable sports culture can and should look like for players, parents, coaches, and communities.
Stratford Warriors GOJHL
Stratford Municipal Golf Course
Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services


Visit our website www.stopvaw.ca or email [email protected] for more details.

Everyone welcome. No registration required. Free parking.

04/27/2026

Happening TODAY!!

Join us at 6:30pm today to learn how to identify intimate partner violence and provide support. You will also have the chance to hear from survivor advocate Sydney Touzel and connect with local resources.

Dinner provided. Free parking.

60 St. Andrew Street
Stratford Intermediate School

04/23/2026

Want to learn more about Intimate Partner Violence and how to support the survivors in your life?

Attend our free IPV 101 Community Information Session on Monday April 27th at Stratford Intermediate School.

During this event you will:
- learn about IPV and how to recognize the signs
- hear from survivor advocate, Sydney Touzel
- gain skills to support someone experiencing or causing harm
- connect with community resources and services

The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Dinner is provided. Free parking at the school.
All community members 14 years or older welcome.

For more information to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983469538784?aff=oddtdtcreator
Or visit our website: www.stopvaw.ca/news-events-1

*Registration is strictly to ensure we have enough food. Names and ID will not be checked at any point during the session.