Mr. Speaker, November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, which recognizes the need to drive awareness and education surrounding abuse against women.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the From Wallet to Wealth gala, organized by the amazing Whitney Hammond. The gala raised $70,000 for Halton Women's Place, which provides a 24-hour information and support line, outreach services and emergency shelter services for those in need of a safe space.
As a new initiative, purple benches are located in Oakville and Burlington as part of the Barb's Bench project. The project began in Nova Scotia to honour Barbara Baillie and victims of violence against women; it is a reminder that intimate partner violence still exists as a major threat to women everywhere.
This month and every day, let us take action to end femicide and gender-based violence.