A safe place

Jessie Rodger, Anova’s executive director, speaks to audiences about ending genderbased violence. inset: Anova’s shelter on Wellington Road.

HOPE

FOR A WORLD FREE OF FEAR

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

ANOVA SERVES WOMEN IN NEED

A nova, in astronomical terms, can signal the death of a star.

Anova, formed through the merger of London’s Women’s Community House with the Sexual Assault Centre London, has adopted the name as a metaphor to signal hope for the death of gender-based violence in society. “The idea is that we would like to not exist one day, that there will be no need for a woman to have to go into a shelter,” says executive director Jessie Rodger. “That’s our big pie-in-the-sky dream. It’s not likely going to happen in my lifetime, but I hope our actions and the work we do get us closer.”

That work encompasses the services previously established by the merging organizations, plus some added enhancements. These include two shelters and Second Stage Housing (medium security) accommodation for women and children, as well as a 24-hour crisis and support line, counselling and community outreach.

Anova also manages Mine 101, a thrift store in the Bellwood Plaza on Oxford Street East. It specializes in second-hand women’s clothing, accessories and jewellery, including premium brands, to help women look their best at a reasonable price.

Rodger is seeing signs that lead her to believe that their work is advancing their end goal.

When she started with the organization in 2019, she found herself often explaining how the formerly separate entities were now under one umbrella while still providing the same services. “I find I have to do that less now, which I see as an indicator that people are starting to embrace who we are and the new identity that we have,” she says.

It’s a message that she continues to communicate to community partners as well as in lobbying all levels of government. She is pleased with the results of those efforts, particularly at the municipal level. “The City of London is the first municipality in the country to have

Anova also manages Mine 101, a thrift store in the Bellwood Plaza on Oxford Street East. It specializes in second-hand women’s clothing, accessories and jewellery, including premium brands, to help women look their best, at a reasonable price.

Mine 101 is one of Anova's fundraising efforts to support women through two shelters and Second Stage Housing, as well as a 24-hour crisis and support line, counselling and community outreach.

a pillar in its strategic plan for keeping women and girls safe. We live in a city that takes this seriously and that’s super exciting for us.”

But the biggest part of the messaging is reaching the people who need assistance and to the general public to create awareness of the breadth of services Anova offers. “This is something that touches everybody,” Rodger says. “Everyone knows somebody who has experienced some sort of gender-based violence so it shouldn’t be a taboo subject but something people can talk about. And know we have lots of services to help them.”

It is also important to break the stereotypes that exist regarding those who experience violence, she says. “It’s everywhere in the community, in every socio-economic bracket and in every educational level. So, if someone needs help, we’re here.”

A major part of the Anova message, she says, is to make sure people are not hesitant to reach out for fear they will not be believed. “There’s no questioning, no investigating. If someone is experiencing this, we’re going to believe them and work to make sure they get whatever is needed.”

In addition to creating awareness, a big need for Anova is physical donations, like clothing and items for children who are also key recipients of the services.

It has been difficult during the COVID lockdowns as physical donations were restricted. With those restrictions lifted, a new donation centre on Wellington Road, at the former Golden Grill site, will be welcoming donors with their offerings. n