About Sandra Hawken

Sandra Hawken, Director of Engagement at Interval House, Canada’s first shelter for abused women and children. Passionate about inspiring Canadians to speak out about the most critical issues facing women and girls in Canada. Feminist, chocoholic, soccer mom.

Technology in Shelters: The risks and the benefits

2017-12-19T18:44:27+00:00May 4, 2015|Gender-based violence, Guest bloggers|

Girl with cameraThese posts were first published on the Interval House website and have been republished with permission.

Technology has had some very positive effects on our society. In fact, smartphones, tablets, apps, and other technologies can actually support empowering and advocating for women who are experiencing violence.

Unfortunately, there is an increasing trend in electronic violence against woman.

Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships

2022-01-04T15:29:05+00:00November 26, 2013|Gender-based violence, Women’s poverty|

We've all seen the recent headlines with high profile allegations of domestic abuse. I can't count the number of times I've heard friends and family ask the same question of those stories: "why doesn't she just leave?"

Too many people assume that if a woman is in an abusive relationship that she is making a choice to stay and that she has the power to end the abuse if she just leaves.