Throughout the month, Waypoints will be working towards promoting a violence Free RMWB as part of Family Violence Prevention Month,
Nicole Greville, Waypoints Domestic Violence Outreach Manager told MyMcMurray what the month is about.
“People recognizing what it means to be safe, what it means to have healthy relationships and how we can have really safe and secure communities,” said Greville.
To promote awareness around the issue the city will lighting up purple.
“We need to take the issue of family violence out of the confines and privacy of our homes because it’s nothing we should be ashamed of,” said Greville.
In 2016, one-quarter of all victims of violent crime had been victimized by a family member.
Waypoints has many resources available throughout the region with a domestic violence outreach program where Waypoints staff travel to each community to offer counselling and support services for individuals impacted by domestic or sexual violence.
There is also a unity house or emergency shelter for women and children that is open 24/7 and a 24/7 crisis and information line, 780-743-1190, that also accepts collect calls from anyone calling from a remote community.
“We’re always available, we have resources, connections and always have a listening ear so they can connect with somebody to get more information to help them start their journey to healing and recovery,” said Greville.
Various events will be held throughout the month with more information available on Waypoints Facebook page.
The provincial government is also taking part and has launched a new website to support Albertans in abusive situations.
The website has resources in 12 languages to help survivors identify, prevent, and deal with abuse and family violence.
Resources include 24-hour helplines, information about different types of abuse, along with support and prevention information.
Family violence is described as an abuse of power in a relationship where people rely on each other.
Although you don’t need to wait to move, the province also offers the Safer Spaces Program which allows tenants to end their lease without financial penalty with a certificate confirming they’re victims of domestic violence.
To show your support you can wear purple and post on social media using the hashtag #violencefreermwb.
