Community Development
"Community Development" activities function in raising public awareness of sexual assault and abuse against women and children, with the end goal of working toward an end to all violence (sexual, physical, and emotional). These activities also function to educate the general public regarding sexism and gender inequality in the media, justice system, and society as a whole.
To accomplish this, Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (MPSSAS) works independently AND with a number of other community services, agencies, and committees that address violence against women and children, and women's inequality issues. We have, for example, collaborated in Muskoka with the YWCA, Muskoka Interval House, and the Huntsville Women’s Resource Centre. In the District of Parry Sound, our collaborative efforts have involved work with Esprit Place Family Resource Centre, Harvest Share, and the Parry Sound Friendship Centre. These ventures also increase public awareness of our agency programs and services.
Some of the community events that MPSSAS has organized and implemented include: "International Women’s Day" activities; "Vagina Monologues" productions; "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" educational activities; "Tag Day" fundraising initiatives; "Girlz Unplugged" and "Annual Walk for Community Safety" events in the District of Parry Sound; and, "Kawabunga" and "Take Back the Night" events in Muskoka.
In the fall of 2004, MPSSAS also hosted a very successful conference - "Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children: We All Win". Over 250 participants enjoyed and learned from such guest speakers as Judy Rebick, Jane Doe, and Linda McQuaig.
In addition, MPSSAS is a committee member of Domestic Abuse Review Team (D.A.R.T). in Muskoka and the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee (D.V.C.C.) in Parry Sound. These committees review individual cases of domestic abuse in their respective areas, along with other committee members (e.g., local women's shelters, Crown Attorney's office, Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services, O.P.P., Children's Aid Society, Probation and Parole, area First Nations), in order to develop a coordinated and effective community service response to this issue. The committees also serve as the forum for the development of domestic abuse policies and procedures, protocols to guide those involved in intervention, and public education efforts.
Furthermore, MPSSAS develops pamphlets and other literature, and maintains links with various media sources (e.g., newspaper, radio, and television), to establish a visible profile in the community for the purpose of public education.
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