Community Snapshot

"The Southwest Region VAW Coordinating Committee (SWRCC) developed Snapshot in 2018 as an 'action-in-a-box' regional strategy to engage and inform the elected officials in government and the broader public about the real world pressures in their communities. We want to build a bigger wave of public attention to the epidemic of femicide and violence against women and children. " - Building a Bigger Wave

For more information, visit: http://www.buildingabiggerwave.org/network-features/taking-action-making-change#snapshot

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While reviewing this year's Community Snapshot, please note that yearly numbers fluctuate and should not be compared side by side. These changes do not necessarily indicate an improvement or decline in gender-based violence but reflect the complex and dynamic factors involved. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of the data. Reasons for data fluctuation include:

• Differences in data reporting measures - Variations in how different agencies collect and report data can lead to discrepancies in the numbers year over year.
• Out-of-County Policies - Policies that change the eligibility of people from outside the county can impact the number of individuals accessing services in a given area.
• Gender binary views - Services that adhere to a strict gender binary can exclude transgender individuals, affecting the overall data on service usage.
• Inclusivity issues - A lack of welcoming spaces for racialized groups can result in underreporting or lower utilization of services by these communities.
• Post-Pandemic Impact - As we move further away from the pandemic, behavioral changes and the impact on service access can cause yearly data variations.
• Housing Crisis - The ongoing housing crisis means people are staying longer in shelters and transitional homes, reducing turnover and the number of individuals who can be accommodated or moved up the waitlist.
• Reporting Barriers - Stigma, fear, and other barriers to reporting gender-based violence can affect the number of cases that come to the attention of service providers.

In keeping up with this initiative, DART Oxford develops yearly Snapshots to use as advocacy tools at varying levels of government. This year, our Snapshot was successful in aiding us to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Woodstock.

For more information, visit: http://www.buildingabiggerwave.org/network-features/taking-action-making-change#snapshot

Scroll down to view previous years.