November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, as organizations across the Niagara Region are working to bring more awareness to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence.
One of those organizations is Birchway Niagara, which saw over 170 women and more than 60 children stay at its shelter over the course of a year.
Executive Director Jennifer Gauthier says it's important to be able to recogize abuse, even if it's from the outside looking in.
Gauthier says often times, women will feel like they have to remain in an abusive relationship, so reaching out can be difficult.
Birchway Niagara operates a 45-bed shelter in Niagara Falls and offers a 24-hour phone and text support line, outreach offices in Welland, Fort Erie, and Port Colborne, as well as public education and prevention programs.
(Written by: Matt Latour)