Staying inside causes domestic violence to rise; this black woman-owned shelter needs your help!

BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

“My vision is to have a world free from domestic violence against women and human trafficking. I know that I cannot fully eradicate violence, but I know that by helping just one person, that person will be able to help another and then eventually, someday, the cycle will be broken.”  Lisa Ogbole

In the small community of Alliston, Ontario, a black-owned women’s shelter stands assertively – Imani’s Place.

Imani’s Place is a faith-based non-profit organization that houses, mentors and supports vulnerable young women who have been affected by domestic abuse and exploitation. The non-traditional cozy haven can accommodate up to six women and offers an extensive list of services including one-on-one counselling, referrals for medical care, legal assistance for immigrants, transportation and weekly life skill workshops. Lisa Ogbole founded the transitional home after successfully escaping her own past abusive relationship.

“I was a victim of domestic violence for eight years. During that time, there was no support whatsoever. It was a tough time for me.”

The strong-willed Nigerian native regretfully began to think about ending her life.

“I didn’t want to wake up to see another day. I was living with my abuser and he cut off all the ties I had with friends and family. There were times when I’d get beaten and I’d have no one to talk to. I vowed to myself that if I ever survived the trauma, I would help other women that are in the same situation.

Lisa Ogbole kept that promise and in October 2019, Imani’s Place proudly opened its doors to women in need, with a primary focus on serving the black, Indigenous and people of colour community. The Swahili name “Imani” translates to “faith,” a means of encouragement that Ogbole says all at-risk women need. “I think that for you to be able to get the change you want to see, you have to believe in it, and you also have to believe in yourself,” she says.

While being open to all women, regardless of race or sexual orientation, there is still a strong commitment to creating a safe space for black women specifically. Ogbole recognized the reoccurring instances of systemic racism within the shelters and transitional housing networks. She believes that there are many misconceptions when it comes to black women entangled in the system and frankly, sometimes it’s just easier to relate to your own.

“Black women resonate better with black women, and that’s normal. When dealing with social service workers who are non-black, they may not be comfortable opening up which will prevent them from receiving the support they need,” she says. “Black people have become victimized in the traditional shelter system because these social service providers don’t understand black people or how we may react to situations. They don’t know how we handle frustration. They assume we are aggressive and default to putting us on medication rather than having the patience to work with us.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has not made maintaining the shelter any easier. According to Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam Monsef, not only has the pandemic empowered perpetrators of domestic abuse, but several parts of the country are experiencing a 20% to 30% increase in gender-based violence. For Ogbole, she’s witnessed a 40% increase in calls and is now fundraising and searching for volunteers to upkeep Imani’s Place.

“It’s been really tough because Imani’s Place is funded mostly out-of-pocket. We used to work with volunteers, but once the government put in health and safety protocols, many of the volunteers couldn’t continue. We refuse to let our passion for helping women die, so I’ve personally dug into my line of credit to continue keeping Imani’s Place open.”

With future plans for further expansion across the Greater Toronto Area, Lisa Ogbole has ambitions to support both women and the Canadian economy.

“Our goal is to remove 250 women from the social service system by 2025. We will do that by providing them with the tools they need to be financially stable, and ultimately giving them the right mindset to kick down those walls and do whatever it takes to make themselves self-sufficient. Canada has been great to us, so we want to give back to our society by building up our women who in turn will contribute to building our economic development.”

For anyone looking to donate to Imani’s Place, a GoFundMe with a goal of raising $100,000 is available on their website: www.imanisplace.org.

Likewise, women in unsafe situations are encouraged to call their free and completely confidential 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-888-836-6570.