Light Bulb Moment #2: The Individual

I was outside the BMHC last week trying to take photos for my Snapshot journal entry when I told a woman and a man  sitting in front of the center that I was going to be taking photos and asked if they would have any issues being in my photos (from a distance and not close enough to be able to identify them). The gentleman was excited to be in the shots and even asked if I wanted him to take photos of me in front of the center. However, I was surprised when the woman responded

 

 "I'm happy you asked if you could take a photo because not many people do. There are women here that are trying to run away from abusive husbands and boyfriends and some of them wouldn't want to be found if the wrong person saw a photo of them."

 

I was really surprised by what the woman said. The thought had never occurred to me the dangers of overstepping ones privacy by taking photos of people that may be going to the clinic or the other organizations nearby. Of course I understand the general obvious concerns regarding privacy, but her comment made me realize that some people may not want to put themselves in a position where they could potentially be identified and their safety put at risk.

 

On a positive note, it also made me think that many people could see the BMHC as a safe place, a place of refuge where they can go to and not be judged. Women that are in abusive relationships,  involved in gangs, engaging in dangerous activity, or running away from danger might see the BMHC as a safe place. They can get the treatment they need at a secure center where they will be treated fairly and equally by the staff. I know that the BMHC hosts the occasional women's coffee meetings where local women can drop in and socialize with other women in the community in a safe and comfortable environment. The BMHC also runs a satellite clinic for women (Women's Centre for Health) and has a drop in center for street prostitute called the Kindred House.

 

The BMHC's caters to a verity of patients from all walks of life and who are taking advantage of the verity of services the BMHC has to offer. I'm not sure how exactly to put it into words, but I think it was important for me to hear what that women said because it kind of brought me back to reality and made remember that everyone that comes to the clinic has a different story and that everyone should be treated as individuals rather than clumped into categories such as "homeless", "druggies" and "gang members".