Georgette Parsons honoured for tireless community work

Cathy Dobson A Sarnia woman who works to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence is being recognized by Ontario‘s Attorney General.

Cathy Dobson 

A Sarnia woman who works to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence is being recognized by Ontario‘s Attorney General.

Georgette Parsons is receiving the Victim Services Award of Distinction for exceptional achievement and remarkable contributions.

“I’m on cloud nine,” says Parsons, who will be presented with the award during an April 27 virtual ceremony from Queen’s Park.

“It’s the nicest thing that could happen to somebody.”

Angie Marks, executive director of the Women’s Interval Home and the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre, nominated Parsons.

“Georgette is such a compassionate woman. She deserves to be noticed,” said Marks.

A former registered nurse, Parsons opted to be a stay-at-home mom when her daughter was born.

Once her daughter reached school age, Parsons was approached by the late Pat Brooks, then chairperson at the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre. Brooks recruited Parsons to represent survivor/consumers on the board and assist with fundraising.

“Being a survivor myself, it’s always been my passion to help where I can,” Parsons said. “Other survivors say they can talk to me because I know what I am talking about and I respect confidentiality.

“In fact, confidentiality is my motto.”

Four years after joining the board Parsons became chairperson of the Centre. She remained chair for 21 years and led it through a great deal of change and growth.

She was also on the board of the Women’s Interval Home for six years.

Education and public awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence is improving, but a “blame the victim” attitude still pervades, said Parsons.

She has spent years in advocacy work and admits it’s often demanding and frequently depressing.

“Burnout is a real thing, so I would step back for a few weeks, regroup, gather my inner strength and go back.

“I’ve seen so much injustice.  How can you not step up?”

Parsons credits her husband, Gary, for being “my rock.”

A lifetime of advocacy is challenging but also rewarding, she said.

“You reap so much from volunteering, the growth, the friendships, the knowledge that you’ve truly helped people.

“A lot of survivors are suicidal and a lot have told me that they are still here because they could talk to me.

“That means the world.”

In a letter to Parsons, Attorney General Doug Downey thanked her for empowering survivors and creating positive change for victims of crime.

“You make an incredible difference in the lives of people who greatly benefit from these supports,” Downey wrote.

Parsons retired from the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre last fall. She continues to serve on the board at the Sarnia & District Humane Society.

She is also contemplating a run for city council in 2022.