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Municipality to proclaim Family Violence Prevention Month

Last Updated Nov 4, 2019 at 12:47 pm MDT

PHOTO. Supplied: Waypoints Facebook.

CORRECTION: Waypoints relocated their kick-off breakfast to the Legion. A previous version of this article listed UNIFOR Hall as the site.

Alberta recognizes November as Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM).

Started in the town of Hinton, Alta., the 33rd annual event involves several month-long awareness campaigns about the prevalence of family violence.

In a statement, Family Violence Outreach Manager for Waypoints, Nicole Greville, said the problem impacts schools and the workplace.

“These conversations are not just happening here in the RMWB, rather, communities across Alberta are rising together in order to create communities that are safe for everyone.”

Studies confirmed by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and CBC’s Marketplace show family violence is not a “behind the scenes” occurrence.

Greville said creating violence-free communities takes action and participation from everyone in society.

Local involvement

Public institutions and private businesses planned to help raise awareness for FVPM.

Mayor Don Scott will proclaim November 2019 as FVPM in Wood Buffalo at the kick-off breakfast on Nov. 5 at the Legion.

Also, Landmark Cinemas will feature the Oil Barons PSA video before all their movies from Nov. 1-14.

The coffee shop shall even provide custom-made FVPM sleeves with their hot drinks.

Residents may participate in various ways during the month.

First, they may wear purple ribbons or stickers to help raise awareness or deck their homes and businesses in purple lighting.

Furthermore, community members may stop by any number of Go Purple Booths.

Volunteers will provide information about local services and tips for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Promote FVPM by sharing #violencefreeRMWB and #WhereToTurn on social media to show support for victims of family violence.

Greville and Waypoints also encourage affected residents to call their Crisis Line at (780) 743-1190.