The current cost to provide 24 hours of shelter and services for one woman in Waterloo Region is $100 (per day). On average, 272 women will seek refuge at either Anselma House or Haven House each year

The event, happening this Saturday, will be emceed by Country 106.7's Jennifer Campbell and include live music, local food, and even a mechanical bull. Proceeds raised are to be split between Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo.

“There’s an urgent need to help the women in our community feel safer and live their lives without fear or assault. By hosting Nashville Night, we are actively seeking to make a difference for the lives of all women in our community. We’ve seen tremendous support for local businesses in the forms of sponsorship and volunteerism for the event,” says Katie Fox, marketing and development for Waterloo-based IT solution provider, FoxNet.

The current cost to provide 24 hours of shelter and services for one woman in Waterloo Region is $100 (per day). On average, 272 women will seek refuge at either Anselma House or Haven House each year.

“I think it’s incredibly inspiring that the Kitchener/Waterloo community can come together and support local organizations in our community like Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region and ensure a lasting impact.”

Women’s Crisis Service of Waterloo Region are behind the #SheIsYourNeighbour project, designed to highlight the prevalence of domestic violence in the region. The motivation behind the online campaign is to educate residents that domestic violence is more than physical abuse, also encompassing emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and spiritual manipulation.

They operate two emergency shelters for abused women and their children: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. The only agency of its kind in Waterloo Region, they also operate a regional Outreach Program; empowering women to move beyond abusive relationships.

Statistics for this fiscal year include more than 2500 crisis calls received, 870 women served and over 200 local children have found refuge through either Anselma or Haven House.

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo (SASC) is committed to preventing sexual violence through education and social justice work. They offer free services and support to residents who have experienced sexual violence - including counselling, a 24-Hour Support Line, and advocacy. Initiatives include a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Program.

Their Family Court Support Program offers support and advocacy in navigating the court system, including accompaniment to court proceedings and lawyer appointments as well as assistance with recording the history of abuse.

“On average, the Waterloo Regional Police responds to 16 calls of domestic violence a day,” said Bill Fox, President and Owner of FoxNet. “The Waterloo Regional Police also receives an average of 7 calls per day regarding a woman in crisis.”

80% of abusers were abused as children or saw their mothers abused and tend to minimize and deny the abuse.

Signs that domestic violence could be occurring include, violent outbursts, isolation from family and friends, fear for self or children, threats of destruction of property or pets, jealousy or accusations of cheating or forced financial dependence.

Since 2004, FoxNet has helped to raise over $200,000 in support of local organizations and initiatives.

Beer will be provided by Muskoka Brewery. Bourbon provided by Jim Beam. Food will be provided by Lancaster Smokehouse.

More information about FoxNet and/or register for the event here. Tickets are $100 each and include one food ticket as well as four drink tickets.

Need to talk?

Crisis Line: Anselma House: 519-742-5894 or Haven House: 519-653-2422

SASC 24-Hour Support Line: 519.741.8633 Phone support is available in more than 200 languages through an interpreter service.

Waterloo Region Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre