40th For DASO

Monday, 31 March 2014 13:15

Domestic Abuse Services of Oxford celebrate a milestone this year while continuing to support local women & children.

WOODSTOCK -- 4,178 women and 2,490 children.

According to Canadian Network of Women's Shelters & Transition Houses, those are the numbers recorded in one day at 242 shelters across Canada including Domestic Abuse Services Oxford.

DASO Development & Communications Manager Barb Wright points out these numbers are fairly steady year after year. "There may be some fluctuations from year to year but for the most part it remains relatively steady. The importance of this figure is that people don't always realize how many people are using shelters across Canada, in their own province and in their own communities."

DASO, who have been servicing the county for 40 years, offer not only residential shelter but community based workshops and sessions for domestic abuse victims including sexual assault counselling and support, as well as women's and children/teen's support groups to name a few.

The organization originally opened at 591 Hatch Street under the volunteer care of Lee Lakeman in August 1974 and have helped thousands of women and children in their 40 years. In fact, DASO was one of the first five shelters established in Canada for abused women and their children.

"The fact that we have been here in Oxford County for 40 years and that we have assisted thousands of women and children in that period of time and have helped them make that transition and to live more productive, happier, safer lives; I think it is something that we need to celebrate at the same time as renewing our commitment going forward to offering our services and making sure that they continue to be available to everyone that needs them."

Wright says they are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of their operating costs each year which are roughly $100,000 or more due to the higher demand of their services.

There are two upcoming fundraising events to support DASO and their services. "Fashionably Yours" fashion show will take place Tuesday April 8th at Unifor Hall (formerly CAW) at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at Roberts & Co in Woodstock or Ingersoll. Saturday, April 12th, Tia McGraff will perform at the Church of Epiphany at a dinner and concert. Tickets for the evening are $40 and can be purchased by contacting Albert Mann at 519-539-9463 or themann@execulink.com.

The annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes is planned for Sunday June 7th. More details on the events as well as the services offered at the shelter can be found at www.daso.ca.