OAITH Forms COVID-19 Working Group

A new working group has been formed focused on developing and promoting resources focused on assisting VAW services and survivors in navigating challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, state of emergency and related impacts. The working group is seeking information, tools and resources which may be helpful for Ontario VAW service providers and/or survivors of violence.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the novo coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic. On March 17^th, the Government of Ontario declared a state of emergency under s 7.0. (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil protection act resulting in the closing of private schools, child care centres, restaurants, social venues and all facilities providing indoor recreational programs. On March 24^th, the Government of Ontario issued a mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces. Recommendations to ensure public safety focus on social distancing and isolation within one’s own home which poses unique risk implications for both residential service providers and users, and women within the community at risk-of or experiencing violence in their own homes.  In the face of this changing and evolving crisis, OAITH identified the need for a COVID-19 Working Group focused on developing and promoting resources focused on assisting VAW services and survivors in navigating challenges associated with the pandemic, state of emergency and related impacts.

All members of OAITH were invited to participate and contribute their expertise and resources related to social media, resources, and violence against women within the COVID-19 crisis context.  The first meeting of the Working Group was held virtually on March 26^th 2020. Meetings occur on a weekly basis.

If you have resources/information/tools which may be helpful for the working group, please contact the COVID-19 Working Group Chair Amber Wardell at amber@oaith.ca

Learn more about the working group.