Leading -Example 4 -Solidarity Project -Project Materials

In 2004, WISH undertook a project to work with women around issues of violence and safety. They formed the Solidarity Group and defined violence in many ways: street violence, economic violence, discrimination against sex-trade workers and violence between women. Initially, they surveyed women at WISH about balance in their lives. We have included some of the shocking results. Then this group went on to think about responses. One of their creative solutions was to try and create a stronger network amongst women. They wrote a statement of solidarity and started the Petroglyph Project. Charlene, a group member, describes the project.

Survey Results

The Survey on Violence was conducted by women participating in Emerging Voices: Developing a Collaborative Strategy to Address Violence Against Women in the Downtown Eastside, August-September 2003. They were assisted by researcher, Leslie Robertson. They surveyed 43 women.

Major Findings

• 51% of women responding at WISH had experienced a violent incident in the last 24 hours
• 63% had witnessed a violent incident in the past 24 hours
• 69% had noticed a change in violence on the street lately
• 20 women wrote that drugs were directly related to levels of street violence;
• 17 women wrote that poverty and government cuts were directly related to levels of street violence
• 28 women said that fear or fear of reprisal stops women from reporting violence they experience/witness i.e. ratting
• 19 women said they do not report because of the responses of authorities: police stigma/blame, disbelief, or being arrested for their activities or outstanding warrants, also other agencies and services stigmatize women
• 18 women (51%) noted that personal support/solidarity was the most important way for women to help other women on the street. They talked about the need to address the current lack of solidarity amongst women on the street. They suggested talking and listening to each other, working in buddy systems, speaking up about dangerous dates, sharing “on the spot” strategies and safety tips. These findings prompted the group to start the Solidarity Project.