OUR VISION IS TO ERADICATE SEXUAL VIOLENCE

We will succeed. Here's How.

Values & guiding principles

We are committed to providing service excellence by working from an integrated Feminist Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive framework that is person-centered and person-focused. We particularly acknowledge the differential impact of sexual violence on racialized and marginalized communities. We are committed to non-exclusionary policy, practice and programs. We serve all women who identify as women.
Education and knowledge is power. We are committed to supporting the education of clients, as on-going education and self-care for staff, board, members and volunteers.
We are committed to a transparent continual review and evaluation of policy, programs and practice. We will measure equity by results, not by intentions. We have a commitment to provide a client space within our facilities and we actively seek client-driven direction and feedback.
We are committed to taking a lead role in the community as a catalyst for change, and will continue to have fresh ideas, innovations and “thinking outside of the box”.

HERSTORY

The WSN was established in 1992 and continues to expand to meet the needs of survivors in our community.

1992

The agency was incorporated in August and officially became the Women's Sexual Assault Helpline & Outreach Services of York Region.

1993

Hired six women to fill five full-time equivalent positions and the helpline was up and running!

1994

In September of 1994, the first "York Region Take Back the Night Rally & March" was held!

1996

Relocated to accommodate the growth of the agency!

1997

The beginning of the High School Outreach Program.

2000

Established the Dianne Hamilton Award for Volunteer Excellence in honour of Dianne Hamilton, an extraordinary volunteer.

2001

Received funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation and United Way of York Region to implement and expand the High School Outreach Program.

2002

The agency received a 3-year grant to continue the work of the Violence Against Women program. The agency also held its first ever Annual Raffle and launched the Diversity Outreach Program to provide services to women from diverse communities in York Region.

2003

The agency officially changed the name to Women's Support Network of York Region to better realize and serve our growing network. They developed the "Sexual Violence for Teen's Handbook" and held the first Annual Fundraising Luncheon.

2007

Held the first Annual Black to Basics Walk where participants walked 60kms in the span of two nights.

2008

Formed key partnerships with York District School Board, York Regional Police and York Region Abuse Program.

2010

Started a new project with The Status of Women Canada to provide services to young girls at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in York Region.

2012

The agency was the recipient of the Ontario Association Chief of Police Victim Assistance Committee Award.

2013

The agency was the recipient of the Walk with Me Canada Victim Services Certificate of Appreciation.

2015

The agency received a 3-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to continue the work of assisting women in York Region who have been trafficked and to address the root cause of sex trafficking.

2016

The agency hosted the first ever Freedom Fair to raise awareness about human trafficking in York Region.

2018

WSN received funding through the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund to provide a rental housing assistance program in York Region for survivors of human trafficking.