Charlotte County’s Willow Centre is hosting an open house next Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., inviting the community to learn more about the services it offers for survivors of sexual violence.
The Willow Centre is the first dedicated resource in Charlotte County, providing counselling, education, and support for survivors as they navigate barriers to accessing help.
“Well, they say create a service and people will come. And before establishing the Willow Centre, there were no services that specialized for this in Charlotte County and the nearest services were Saint John or Fredericton,” Program Director Sam Gullison said.
The open house will include educational activities aimed at promoting discussions and raising awareness about sexual violence.
Attendees can take part in a spinning wheel activity that dispels common myths, such as the belief that sexual violence is usually committed by strangers.
“One of the myths would be ‘stranger danger.’ Oftentimes it is perceived that sexual violence and assault happen in a dark alley by a stranger. But statistically, more than 80 per cent of the time, it is somebody that we know, either in the home or close to the family,” Gullison explained.
A resource table will also be available, showcasing programs such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services, mental health support, addiction resources, and victim services.
Families are encouraged to attend, with refreshments and creative activities provided for children so caregivers can fully engage with the event.
Since opening to clients in September 2024, the center has worked to establish itself as a welcoming, trauma-informed space.
Gullison chose the name “Willow Centre” to foster a supportive and non-invasive environment where survivors can feel comfortable seeking help.
The event is made possible through funding from the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety’s Regional Resiliency Fund, which awarded the center $7,500 to host educational events and group support across the region.
“By providing us with the opportunity to host these events and to go to the communities, it’s allowing the financial ability to travel, especially to the islands like Grand Manan,” Gullison said.
She emphasized that this funding also helps the Willow Centre build capacity, and reach more people in need.
Charlotte County’s rural setting poses unique challenges, including limited access to specialized services and the need for outreach across widespread communities.
“Only five per cent of survivors report, and that leaves 95 per cent who don’t typically report and we’re trying to break down those barriers,” Gullison said.
The Willow Centre also aims to build sustainability by partnering with local counsellors in communities such as Grand Manan to co-lead programs and adopt them over time.
