November is Family Violence Prevention Month.
This year the provincial theme is “Reach out. Speak out-it takes all of us”.
Jason Beck, community and corporate relations with Waypoints explains the importance of speaking openly about family violence.
“The whole idea is to bring it to the forefront out of the darkness of privacy and shame and into the light of honesty, truth and rehabilitation. It is important that we all come together,” said Beck.
In 2015, victims of violent crimes by a family member or spouse represented over one-quarter of all victims of police reported violent offences.
“Indigenous women and children are among the most vulnerable, as they make up only three per cent of the population but are 3.5 times more likely in their lifetime to experience violence,” added Beck.
In his first proclamation as Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Don Scott declared November 2017 to be ‘Family Violence Prevention Month’.
“My daughter asked what I was going to be doing today and I explained that I was going to be reading a proclamation and she was amazed by that,” said Mayor Scott. “Then I explained to her what it was for, I said ‘it is about family violence’ and she looked very concerned and said ‘well nobody should be hurt’ and she was absolutely right.”
Waypoints will be hosting multiple events in the community to encourage an end to family violence.
You are also encouraged to wear purple throughout the month in support of the initiative.
The MOB have teamed up with @Waypointswb once again in support of the purple ribbon campaign against domestic abuse. #ymm #AJHL pic.twitter.com/mmvUVtIuN6
— McMurray Oil Barons (@MOBHockey) November 2, 2017
