LAKELAND - As Family Violence Awareness Month draws to a close RCMP and emergency shelters across the Lakeland are reflecting on what’s been accomplished and the work that remains to be done.
Cindy Yang, the Director of Strategic Priorities for Stepping Stones Crisis Society in Cold Lake, said it was a successful month both in terms of raising awareness and educating the public.
“Family violence and domestic violence does not discriminate, it was really important for us to be able to highlight that for our community and to let them know that our supports and our doors are open for any member of the community who would like the support,” said Yang.
She said many people still think of family violence as being a purely physical thing, but it’s an umbrella term that includes a lot of behaviours.
“There’s eight types of abuse captured under domestic violence. There were a lot of folks who would see that and would think that you have to check all of these different boxes,” said Yang, emphasizing that you don’t need to be experiencing all eight to receive help – one is enough.
According to the St. Paul RCMP, monitoring or restricting movement, social interaction, or communication; extreme jealousy which can look like protection or care; regular criticism, belittling, or manipulation; direct or implied threats; any act of physical aggression; financial control; or erratic changes in mood or behaviour are all behaviours that could be present in an abusive relationship.
“The effects of abuse are devastating. It is far-reaching and seen in many communities. Violence against women is never acceptable, and the victims need our help. They deserve justice,” says S/Sgt. Dennis Silliker.
St. Paul RCMP encourages victims to keep a record of incidents because it can be critical if they decide to seek a protective order or other legal assistance. They also say not to hesitate to call police if you are not feeling safe.
“Law enforcement is trained to handle domestic disturbances and can offer immediate protection, conduct welfare checks, and intervene if necessary,” according to RCMP.
There were several events hosted around the Lakeland for Family Violence Awareness month including the return of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser to Cold Lake on Nov. 9.
According to Yang, community members and municipal leaders from Bonnyville and Cold Lake donned their red high heels for the walk.
“It opened a lot of doors for us to start talking about [family violence.] Our community was coming forward with questions. They were asking us about our supports and services, all of those different things. So it was a really important function for us to be able to have that opportunity,” said Yang, noting how thankful they were for all the men and community members who participated.
In Lac La Biche, the 22nd annual Walk for Hope on Nov. 6 saw a turnout of between 500 and 600 people according to the Executive Director of Hope Haven Society, Lana Howse.
“It was a big success. We brought out Don Bernstein to present to the youth,” said Howse.
Throughout November, businesses and community organizations in Cold Lake and Bonnyville took part in “Paint the Town Purple,” which saw participants decorate their windows and doors with purple signs containing information about the supports and services available, “but also to just highlight and underscore and socialize the issues about family violence,” said Yang.
If you are experiencing family violence and need help, local help can be reached at:
Cold Lake/Bonnyville – Stepping Stones Crisis Society – 780-594-3353
Lac La Biche – Hope Haven Women’s Shelter – 780-623-3100
St. Paul/Elk Point – Capella Centre – 780-645-5195
