SNIWWOC remains dedicated to improving the lives of racialized women by working to combat domestic violence and end the stigma surrounding addictions
MEDIA CONTACT
Dominique Jacobs
Communications & Resource Development Coordinator
Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Color
domi@sniwwoc.ca
250-277-2545
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Through the Covid-19 pandemic, The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Color (SNIWWOC) remains dedicated to improving the lives of racialized women by working to combat domestic violence and end the stigma surrounding addictions.
The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Color (SNIWWOC) commemorates the United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th and the National Addictions Awareness Week November 22-28th through our month-long workshop series, upcoming event, Peer Support and Mental Health programs.
Victoria, B.C., Canada. November 26th, 2020 : SNIWWOC’s Mental Health worker Michaella Shannon has just wrapped up the four-week Grandmother Moon workshop series focused on supporting women who may be stuck in toxic relationships and experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Shannon, who is hosting SNIWWOC’s upcoming virtual event Ending The Stigma Webinar in response to National Addictions Awareness Week (November 22-28th), calls the current circumstances, “a pandemic within a pandemic”, as we’ve seen the rise of both domestic violence and overdose deaths as a result of Covid-19. Public Health Specialists suggest these increases are due to the stay-at-home measures and disruptions to daily life that are aimed to slow the spread of the virus and save lives, which has created a whole, new mental health crisis.
SNIWWOC recognizes that isolation (physical, social or emotional) is often used to facilitate power and control over someone for abusive purposes. This applies in many contexts and is seen frequently in the case of domestic abuse. Isolation reduces the opportunity of the abused to be rescued or escape from the abuse. It also helps disorientate the abused and makes them more dependent on the abuser. Isolation of the victim from the outside world is an important element of psychological control. Covid-19 makes this type of isolation easy.
SNIWWOC’s Peer Support program combats isolation by building a network of women helping women. The program has shifted from in-person meetings to online support due to Covid-19 restrictions. It now offers both virtual group events and one-on-ones, depending on need.
Our Community Resource Experts offer specialized one-on-one support with things from navigating the Canadian healthcare system to finding legal advice. Our Peer Supporters are available for phone calls and online appointments to support racialized women as community service advocates.
SNIWWOC provides free mental health therapy to low-income racialized women through our Mental Health program. Therapy sessions cost an average of $100 – $150 per session, and free counselling wait times can be up to two years. Our female BIPoC therapists help individuals impacted by a number of struggles, including racialized trauma, sexuality/gender identity issues, low self esteem, anxiety, depression, adjustment, system navigation difficulties, stress management issues and negative thoughts.
Shannon is hosting Ending The Stigma Webinar in response to National Addictions Awareness Week November 22-28th. SNIWWOC recognizes the link between substance abuse and domestic violence and also looks to change the way we think about addiction. The event promises a safe space to talk about addiction, surrounding issues of abuse and ultimately holds space for healing.
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