Research Paper on Local Organizations Currently Working Towards Social Change in Toronto

Introduction

The Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women against Rape (TRCC/MWAR) is a non-profit organization in Toronto aimed at mitigating incidences of violence against children and women. The organization foundation is based on the principle of equality regardless of gender, race, age, spirituality, ability, and sexual orientation. With such basis, it gives room for individuals to access the programs and services they offer (TRCC). Services provided include counseling to the victims, court support, support groups, advocacy, 24 hours support line, public education and workshops, and publications to create awareness on gender violence.

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The Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) aims at improving the quality of families, individuals, and communities through empowerment. Some of the focus areas of the organization include domestic violence among others. In its operations, it offers resources and services such as social entrepreneurship, capacity building, and community empowerment, counseling services to the clients, helping people with addictions among others (PCHS). Over the years, the organization has received CARF accreditation which speaks highly of their trust to other organizations.

Metrac, Action on Violence, works with communities, institutions, and individuals to achieve change in ideas, policies, and actions to bring to end violence against youth and violence. It offers programs and services that are ground-breaking, with the main focus being on prevention and education, thus making use of tools that build equity, justice, and safety (Metrac). Through the years, Metric has continued to impact the community through its services, thus ensuring sexual violence against women is mitigated.

Summary of What I Have Learned by Investigating These Community Organizations

From the above organizations, one of the critical lesson learned is that rape and gender violence against women emanate from gender inequalities that society often upholds. According to Doe 2018, rape exists through economic, legal and social advantages seldom articulated just like racism. She argues that while men benefit from the inherently sexist society, women are left vulnerable and on the losing side (Doe 543). I have also learned that to address the issue of inequalities in society successfully; organizations need to work closely with the community to ensure that social disparities and discriminations are eliminated. Getting rid of such outdated perceptions will bridge the gap that exists between the different genders which predispose women to violence. Such steps include addressing services such as economic empowerment to women, provision of legal support, and advocacy against violence against women. In short, I have realized that fighting against sexual violence against women calls for a combination of different approaches aimed at empowering women amid gender disparity that often exists. In agreement to Margo Goodhand's observation in her book, "gender and women studies," raising the awareness on the rights of women and other minority groups will provide a safe space for people who need to escape domestic violence and other forms of abuse. And just like these pioneer women worked hard to build the first women's shelter, we should strive to make the rights of women and other marginalized groups known and be relentless in their defense.

Works Cited

Metrac. "About." METRAC - Action on Violence, www.metrac.org/about/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2019.

PCHS. "About Us." Punjabi Community Health Services, pchs4u.com/about-us/.

TRCC. "About Us." Toronto Rape Crisis Centre Multicultural Women Against Rape, trccmwar.ca/about-us/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2019.

Jane Doe, 'The Ultimate Rape Victim,' in Gender and Women's Studies: critical terrain, 2018, pp. 541 - 546.