Envisioning a Safer Society for All

• Intro
• Safety
• Justice
• Outreach
• Thanks
• Donation and Member Forms

Hopefully, you're receiving your copy of this newsletter as springtime makes its presence felt. As the days get longer and jackets get lighter, I start to anticipate the exciting challenges that a new season will bring. The newsletter's theme is Envisioning a Safer Society for All, and as the hope of spring comes after a long winter, we hope for and work towards creating a safer society for women, youth, and children.

To let you know what we've been up to, METRAC has recently completed a three-year process of strategic planning. After consulting with the community and doing a lot of forward thinking, we've set important priorities for ourselves, including:

• working towards becoming a culturally competent organization that responds to the needs and taps into the strengths of our diverse city,
• increasing our communication with and accountability to communities and other community organizations and services, and
• enhancing partnerships with other organizations so that we can offer better support and services to women, youth, and children.

The Board and Staff at METRAC are working everyday to prevent violence. I thank you for your support. Your ongoing interest helps us to get closer to the goal of lessening and ultimately eradicating violence against women, youth, and children.

• Farrah Bykalo-Khan, YWAVSB Coordinator
• Pamela Cross, Legal Director
• Susannah Dainow, Justice Researcher
• Stephanie Ehret, Volunteer Coordinator
• Andrea Gunraj, Outreach Manager
• Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director
• Alana Lowe, YWAVSB Coordinator
• Ginny Santos, Justice Coordinator
• Izabela Stec, Justice Researcher
• Pam Thompson, Safety Director
• Hongli Wang, Administrative Assistant
• Alyssa Asomani, Jerry Bonnah, Darryl Bucar, Fatima Chamalia, Elizabeth Chen, Farzana Islam, David Lewis, Christine Luza, Andre Ottley-Lorant, MJ Rwigema, Semhar Woldeyesus, Melinda Zakye, YWAVSB Peer Facilitators

• Naomi Brown
• Stephanie Dutrizac, Vice President
• Karima Esmail
• Kimberly Morris
• Peggy Nash
• Deborah Niles, President
• Marilyn Oladimeji
• Kathy Parsons
• Tania Principe
• Sona Ruparelia, Treasurer
• Shahnaz Uddin, Secretary
• Shelanda R. Wilson

In anti-violence work, while it is critical to establish a clear vision of a safer society as one step towards change, vision without action doesn't stop the pain, suffering, and premature death that violence causes. Creating a safer society requires collective action and practices to prevent violence before it occurs.

From the outset, METRAC has focused on prevention through strengthening individual and public awareness about violence, promoting community-driven safety initiatives, training community service providers, partnering with various groups and sectors, and influencing social policy and legislation. We proudly share our work with you in this newsletter. Although there have been some successes, for the most part, prevention has not adequately protected the safety of women.

Even at the level of response, the challenge of violence against women, youth, and children requires collective action. The Auditor General Follow-up Review of the Investigation of Sexual Assaults by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), released in January 2005, underscored this point. Overall, the Review found that many of the 57 recommendations for investigating sexual assault made in the 1999 Audit Report had not been implemented. A big concern of the Auditor was the lack of consultation and collaboration between the police and the women's community.

While the Review raised the issue of police accountability, it also suggested that police working alone lacked the insight to be gained from the expertise of the women's community, which would contribute to successful outcomes and a greater impact to make our city Safer for Women and Children, Safer for Everyone.

For several years, METRAC's Community Safety Program has been a leader in working and advocating to make neighbourhoods, campuses, workplaces, and other public places safer for women. We have a strong vision for safety that specifically understands women's unique safety needs and the needs of other marginalized communities. Importantly, we believe everyone must contribute and get involved to make a safer society for all.

Hundreds of diverse women and community members have used our Safety Audit Resource Kit: For Women and Communities to identify their safety concerns and suggestions for change. With the support of the Toronto Community Foundation, we now have the opportunity to evaluate, improve, and include the voices of immigrant and youth communities into our Safety Audit Kit. Through this new project, the Audit will become more culturally relevant in six (6) new languages and be more responsive to the diverse youth communities in our city.

METRAC's Community Safety Program is also working with youth organizations in the city to launch an exciting new project that will look at young peoples' experiences of violence. Specifically, it will examine how discrimination on the basis of gender, race, age, sexuality, ability, and income level impacts young peoples' sense of safety and highlight what can be done to make a difference.

Stay tuned for information about our 6th Annual Community Safety Night coming up in fall 2005. It will be a great community action event against violence - get involved and make your neighbourhood safer for everyone!

• develop legal information materials for young women experiencing violence and run a pilot training for young women and those who provide them with services
• develop legal information materials for older women experiencing violence and run a pilot training for older women and those who provide them with services
• develop and deliver legal information training for immigrant services and services for women with disabilities and deaf women across Ontario
• continue to update and distribute our materials
• continue the translation of our materials
• conduct a thorough needs assessment and analysis of our legal website (www.owjn.org) and develop a long term vision for it

For more information, contact METRAC's Justice Coordinator at cleric@metrac.org or 416-392-3138.
For ongoing updates, visit www.owjn.org.

These four women have something in common: they were attacked by men with whom they had a relationship, and in three of the cases, they were murdered after they had turned to the courts for assistance. All of these women had obtained restraining orders from the courts that were supposed to stop their abusers from contacting them. How did the system fail to protect these women who knew they were in danger and had already gone to the courts for help?

The fact is, restraining orders offer very little in terms of real protection, and abusers often breach these orders and suffer almost no consequences. Our justice system doesn't do enough to protect women's lives or safety.

In trying to create a safer society, we must always keep in mind the vision we are striving towards while learning from past experiences. Only then can we make changes that will bring us closer to a world where justice and equality are real core values.

As Louise Brown, Toronto Star reporter says, "three years after an inquest into the murder of Gillian Hadley proposed 58 steps to fighting domestic violence and seven years after similar suggestions came out of the inquest into the murder of Arlene May, the body count keeps rising" (The Toronto Star, 2005, Women Left Unprotected by Law, 21 February 21, p. A3).

METRAC believes that two crucial recommendations from the Hadley Inquest will help women's safety:

1. Mandatory use of risk assessment in all bail hearings relating to intimate partner violence charges. This would ensure that important risk factors would be taken into account when deciding if the accused could be released into the community after being charged.

2. No bail after the first breach of bail conditions in intimate partner violence cases. This means that the accused would remain in jail until his trial if, after being released on the condition of staying away from the woman he had assaulted, he did not stay away from her.

These practical changes would prevent further deaths and acknowledge that violence against women is a human rights issue that requires a serious response. For more information and details on reforms to the justice system, visit the Ontario Women's Justice Network's website at www.owjn.org.

Reaching Out for Safer Communities
(Andrea Gunraj, Outreach Manager)

"There is Safety in Numbers." Unknown

True safety doesn't come from individuals. I can buy security gadgets and learn how to defend myself, but it won't do anything to make the world a safer place. And it definitely won't benefit those who are most vulnerable to experiencing violence. True safety comes from community, from diverse people creating an inclusive vision for safety and working together to make a difference. That's why METRAC's Community Outreach and Education Program focuses reaching out to communities in our city and sharing resources so that our city will be safer for diverse women, youth, and children and in turn, safer for everyone.

METRAC's Outreach Program is working hard on its already proven initiatives. For instance, we're making special efforts to update our written resources and make them more available to diverse communities. We're making our website (www.metrac.org) a better and faster source of up-to-date information about METRAC and violence issues for the public. Our Young Women's Anti-Violence Speakers Bureau is expanding as we receive more requests to conduct peer-to-peer youth workshops throughout Toronto neighbourhoods and beyond.

We also support other violence prevention initiatives, such as the Trans Anti-Violence Access Project, which is sponsored by The 519 Church Street Community Centre and Education Wife Assault (EWA). It involves a team of trans-identified people working with women's agencies to make services accessible to trans survivors of violence. This issue of accessibility for the transsexual/transgendered community is an important one for women's organizations, and the project provides relevant knowledge, skills, resources, and practical tools for staff supporting trans people. METRAC also participates in the Access to Shelter Advisory Committee, a project headed by Tobias House Attendant Services, Anne Johnston Health Station, and EWA. The project works to make shelters more accessible for women with disabilities.

Finally, look out for our new innovative initiatives. We're working on creating two exciting new video games for children aged 8 to 14 years and accompanying resources for parents, teachers, and youth workers that will challenge sexism and violence in children's entertainment. The Speakers Bureau is piloting a new workshop on family violence. Plus, we're hoping to start new creative projects for youth living in under-serviced, marginalized neighbourhoods in Toronto. Through effective outreach and accessible education about violence against women, children, and youth, METRAC hopes to foster community empowerment and make our society safer for everyone.

For more information, contact METRAC's Outreach Manager at
416-392-4760 or outreach@metrac.org

Creating a Safe Space for the Voices of Multicultural Women
(Andrea Gunraj)

Safety, rights, voice, place, space, choice … METRAC convenes THRIVE, the Multicultural Women's Coalition Against Violence and Oppression. It's an alliance of community and women's organizations that support multicultural women and challenge the systems that cause, maintain, and perpetuate violence and oppression against women of colour and multicultural women. We're working on some exciting new projects and doing new things:

• THRIVE has revamped its monthly meetings and added an element of training. This means that we have special guest speakers who educate THRIVE members on important current issues every time we meet. For instance, we have had guest speakers from the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Campaign (DADT), the Trans Anti-Violence Project, and the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition (TPAC) so far in 2005.
• We're working on a research project to look at the impact of racial profiling against women of colour.
• THRIVE is supporting community projects to help newcomer women get information about violence against women.
• Increasingly, we're focusing on how we can advocate for the rights of women of colour and multicultural women.

If you're interested in joining THRIVE, please contact METRAC's Outreach Manager at outreach@metrac.org or 416-392-4760 for more information.

Safety Starts at Home: Youth and Family Violence
(Alana Lowe and Farrah Byckalo-Khan, YWAVSB Coordinators)

Ending the Silence, Resisting Violence

Youth facing abuse at home are often told to hush, be quiet, and don't say anything about what's happening. They fear that no one will believe them and that they are alone in facing family violence. METRAC's Young Women's Anti-Violence Speakers Bureau understands that in order to create a safer society for all, we have to address the violence that young women and men face at home and break the silence. With the support of the Canadian Women's Foundation, the Speakers Bureau has created a new workshop series that explores violence at home in a creative and innovative way.

The workshops look at definitions and examples of violence at home such as incest, rape, sibling abuse, and elder abuse, its impact on youth, and strategies they can use to survive when facing violence. Through the use of popular media, the workshops examine ways that family violence is seen as "normal", such as in cartoons, award shows, music videos, and comedy programs. Speakers Bureau Peer Facilitators pose the question "what's so funny about family violence?" to their youth peers to start discussing experiences and ways they have survived.

The workshops also make links between the impact of systemic violence and family violence, specifically the barriers youth face in accessing services as a result of their age, sexuality, gender identity, immigration status, ethno-racial background, abilities, and income. We show that violence at home is not just between the abuser and the abused, but it also involves bystanders (such as non-abusive guardians, siblings, and extended family) and the community. The workshop ends with more strategies for survival in order to demonstrate how youth can resist violence at home, be as safe as possible, and find other supports in the community.

There are three versions of the workshops: one for youth between the ages of 12 and 14, one for youth between the ages of 15 and18, and one for newcomer youth to address the specific issues that they face. Workshops will be delivered in schools, community centers, group homes, youth shelters, and other places where youth are, beginning in mid-April. Once homes are safe for youth, this world will become a safer place for all.

To book one of the Young Women's Anti-Violence Speakers Bureau's many engaging and thought-provoking workshops or to learn more about us, visit www.metrac.org/ programs/info/speakers.htm or contact the Speakers Bureau Coordinators at speakersbureau@metrac.org or 416-397-0258.

	Lying there on my bed Shaking from the words that he said Never again will I allow myself He said he loved me I thought it was forever when he struck me my heart said never Never allow anyone to drag me down
Dining Out With A Difference A Gourmet Celebration of METRAC'S 20th Anniversary On October 24th, 2004, METRAC celebrated our anniversary at the Jamie Kennedy Restaurant & Wine Bar. We enjoyed a night of fine food, inspiring entertainment, and the company of friends. Thanks to supporters and partners for making Dining Out With a Difference a success!

Volunteers Make a World of Difference
(Stephanie Ehret, Volunteer Coordinator)

Volunteers are an important and valuable part of METRAC. We have a wonderful group of women supporting us and sharing our vision of a safer community. Our volunteers support us in a variety of ways such as in administration, special events, fundraising, research on topics such as the portrayal of gender in magazines and gun control laws, and by participating in our special committees and Board of Directors.

Our most recent Volunteer Training and Orientation Session was held on the evening of Thursday March 10th, 2005. It was a wonderful time of learning about METRAC's programs, violence against women, systemic violence, and volunteering at METRAC.

METRAC works to ensure that its volunteers reflect the diversity of Toronto. We encourage all women to volunteer, including those with diverse life experiences, sexual identities, and ethno-cultural and income-level backgrounds.

If you would like to join our team of volunteers and support METRAC in activities such as administration, research, education, or advocacy, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at
volunteer@metrac.org or 416-392-4286.

Some Thoughts from a METRAC Volunteer (Stephanie Ehret)

We are excited to have a number of new volunteers join us in the last few months at METRAC. One new volunteer is Sandra Noe, who recently joined our Fundraising Committee. I had the opportunity to ask Sandra a few questions about her volunteer role with us.

Q: How long have you volunteered with METRAC?
A: I am a very new volunteer to METRAC. Although I have only been to two committee meetings, I feel very much a part of METRAC because of the warmth of the staff and other volunteers.

Q: Why is volunteering at METRAC important to you?
A: Volunteering is important to me because it allows me to use my skills, my experiences and my time to help others who are not able to help themselves. It also allows me to be an active member within my community.

Q: What do you want to achieve while volunteering at METRAC?
A: At METRAC I hope to learn more about the other areas of METRAC, such as education, legal research, and community engagement, and one day I hope to participate in one or more of those areas.

Q: Where else have you volunteered?
A: Several years ago I was part of a task force in Mississauga that addressed the issue of child poverty. During my time with this task force, I was involved in fundraising. I was also part of the Rogers Community Television, as a cameraperson. I was involved in many of the weekly community television productions such as educational programs, political programs, as well as a six-part series on the dynamics of different families in the GTA.

Q: What is your vision of a safer society?
A: A safer society comes from a better-informed society. There are many myths surrounding the forms of violence against women and children. Envision a community where services, education, and advocacy to deal with the issue of violence against women reach further than those who need assistance. By making a community more aware of the reality of violence against women and the many forms it presents itself, the acts of violence will become more unacceptable. Furthermore, when you take away the misconceptions, you will also take away the stigma of being a victim and it will no longer seem shameful to seek help.

Raising Awareness for a Safer Tomorrow
(Shahnaz Uddin, Board Member)

Violence is a global phenomenon. History, culture, customs, traditions, and beliefs have fostered various forms of violence against women. It's an ongoing cycle where women are bound by societal norms that prevent them from escaping and breaking free. The fear of isolation prevents women from speaking out. Many simply live through this horror in silence, accepting it as their fate for being born a woman.

I immigrated to Toronto with my family from the Middle East ten years ago. I remember being thrilled to be part of such a diverse and culturally enriched city. As I have always wanted to be involved, I saw this as an opportunity to contribute to my South Asian community. I began volunteering as a language interpreter at the Toronto East General Hospital. It was there that I recognized the tremendous barriers Newcomers face in accessing health care. Realizing the lack and need for greater understanding and integration of ethno-cultural differences in educational institutions and health care systems, I began running forums and workshops on Cultural Competency at the University of Toronto. I also began working on various community outreach programs at the South Asian Women's Centre (SAWC) that were aimed at identifying and breaking down culturally based barriers.

Working with women in the South Asian community was a turning point in my life. I learned about their silent pains, their day-to-day experiences of various forms of violence that threatened their health and well-being, as well as their dignity. I wanted to reach out to these women and help raise awareness and knowledge about violence. Learning about the great work of METRAC in its continuous efforts to eliminate violence against women, I was determined to take on this new challenging task. I joined METRAC's Board of Directors in 2004. With its dedicated staff, board, and volunteers, METRAC has accomplished a great deal and I am very proud to be part of this ever-growing organization.

Shahnaz Uddin is the secretary of the Board of Directors and the chair of the Communications Committee.

Thank You for Supporting METRAC

• The City of Toronto
• The Law Foundation of Ontario
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation
• Ontario Women's Directorate
• Canadian Women's Foundation

• Hydro One
• Sears Young Futures
• Toronto Community Foundation

• Jamie Kennedy Kitchens management and staff
• Gold Sponsors: CAW/TCA Canada, Hbc
• Table Sponsors: Burgundy Asset Management Company, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Royal Bank of Canada, Woolgar VanWeichen Ketcheson Ducoffe LLP
• Silent Auction Donors, Gift Bag Donors, and Partners: Christine Ablett Photography, CLB Media and Canadian Lawyer, Cotton Candy, Inc., elmspa, Fairmount Royal York Hotel, Famous Players, Fidelity Investments, Flare Magazine, Friend of METRAC, Hudson's Bay Company, Hyacinthe Diggs, Johnson & Johnson Skincare Products, Jump Clay, Linda Lundstrom Inc., MAC Cosmetics, Maggie Byckalo Designs, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, Peter and Paul's, Physiomed Wellness & Health, Sleep Country Canada, Shelly Hamilton and The Delightful Divas, Stoney Ridge Estate Winery, The Body Shop, Weirfoulds LLP, William Ashley Inc.

Volunteers:
Helen Anderson, Luz Elena Arias, Anita Corsini, Jennifer Fawcette, Jennifer Hall, Sandra Harb, Mary Higgins, Mandy Hopkins, Julie Margulis, Nahid Najnin, Sandra Noe, Beth Palmer, Lisa Price, Candice Skelton, Andrea Sobko, Dora Diana Talamantes, Erinn Treff, Helen Vincze, Marziya Yasmin

New and Departing Staff:
METRAC will miss Rosetta Springer and departing Speakers Bureau Peer Facilitators. Thank you for your work. METRAC welcomes Susannah Dainow, Stephanie Ehret, Alana Lowe, Ginny Santos, and Izabela Stec. Thank you for joining us!