Even on vacation Shelley Evans thinks of help and home. While visiting Mexico she headed for a friendB次元官网网址檚 book club, where Nahid Sewell, author of The Ruby Tear Catcher B次元官网网址� An Iranian WomanB次元官网网址檚 Story of Intolerance, was a guest speaker.

Evans, supporter of Victoria WomenB次元官网网址檚 Transition House and Victoria Golf Club member, immediately crafted a plan to share the book, and raise funds for critical programs.

B次元官网网址淎濒迟丑辞耻驳丑 The Ruby Tear Catcher is set in Iran and covers a span of 30 years, the main characterB次元官网网址檚 life experiences are still relevant in todayB次元官网网址檚 world, where women continue to suffer from gender inequality, oppression and discrimination, regardless of their cultural background,B次元官网网址� says Evans, event chair.

Evans even found corporate donations to cover costs, noted Susan Howard, development director WomenB次元官网网址檚 Transition House. Funds raised by the event go toward the 18-bed shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

B次元官网网址淔unds will also be used to support our counselling programs,B次元官网网址� Howard said.

They have three main client groups, women, older women and children that witness abuse.

B次元官网网址淭he needs of older women can be unique, older women may have a longer history of being exposed to domestic violence and abuse. With that length of time the counselling they need is different than what younger women require,B次元官网网址� Howard said.

Each year WomenB次元官网网址檚 Transition House helps more than 2,000 women and hundreds of children through the shelter, counselling or the 24-hour crisis and information line.

B次元官网网址淭hose are the statistics that are unfortunately constant and ongoing,B次元官网网址� Howard said. B次元官网网址淲e are seeing in some areas of our counselling and services an increase B次元官网网址� weB次元官网网址檙e not sure if thatB次元官网网址檚 a result of more awareness of the issue or domestic abuse, of services available.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e have a telephone line thatB次元官网网址檚 open all the time that will be answered by staff and trained volunteers,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淎 woman or family member can call anytime for help or resources.B次元官网网址�

An Evening with Nahid Sewell, alongside a silent auction, wine and nibbles is Sept. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Dr. Tickets are $50 (with $25 tax receipt).

cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
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