In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re sharing stories from the amazing women who work on the front lines of our programs, from counsellors to support workers. Every day, they work hard and show great compassion to the brave and resilient women who come through our doors.
“Violent and abusive partners play a significant role in silencing women’s voices, and women face many barriers to trusting and acting on their own inner voice.
In counselling sessions, women tell me about times that they feel like something is wrong, but then their abusers say that what is happening is not problematic. Or if it isn’t okay, then the abuser will say that it’s her own fault.
For example, an abuser might say, “You don’t need to see your friends that often. We should just have friends that we have in common or who I know.”
A woman’s inner voice might say that she would like to have her own friends and her own relationships, separate from her partner. But then an abuser would argue, “No, no—this is normal, and we’re together. We should only have friends together.”
These conflicting internal and external messages can leave women feeling confused. Many times, due to fear of more abuse, or shame and blame from their family, peers and society in general, women decide it’s safer to remain silent and ignore their own feelings.
In the STV Counselling program, I encourage women to pay attention and trust more in their own voice and lived experiences. I show them how abusive partners use certain tactics to maintain power and control in the relationship. As a result, women begin to find strength and power within themselves to rebuild their lives.”
Lesly Rodriguez is our Stopping the Violence (STV) Counsellor at Dixon Transition Society.
Every year, over 500 women and children seek safety, guidance, and hope at Dixon. You can help.
Celebrate International Women’s Day by donating to Dixon Transition Society.
When you make a donation to Dixon Transition Society, you show women that you believe in them, you believe in their right to be safe, and you want them to have every opportunity to build a healthy, thriving life free from violence.
