Victim Services of Renfrew County Executive Director Mary Leigh Elliot, flanked by presenters Cranford Blackmon and Joanna Fayad
Victim Services of Renfrew County is making sure everyone has the means to seek help, regardless of gender.
Executive Director Mary Leigh Elliot welcomed local service providers, law enforcement, probation officers, and military members to Renfrew’s myFM Centre for their recent Victims and Survivors of Crime Week conference, which focused on supporting boys and men who have been abused or sexually exploited.
The conference, led by speakers Cranford Blackmon and Joanna Fayad, tackled how our society perpetuates myths around masculinity and how boys and men can’t be victimized and highlighted both the resources available to help male victims and how local agencies can play a role in providing victims with space to heal from their trauma.
Elliot says Victim Services’ goal is to establish a support network that allows victims to speak up against abuse and become mentors for other victims and to create welcoming and available spaces for vulnerable members of our community.
She adds that anyone can be a supporter with the right knowledge, including coaches, teachers, or a family member.
(written by Kasey Egan)
