Though not always seen, family violence occurs on a daily basis across the country.
In 2013, there were nearly 88,000 victims of family violence reported in Canada.
This month has been dedicated to family violence prevention in the Town of Bonnyville, and will include events that will help raise awareness of a topic that is not always brought to light.
Family Violence Prevention month is a provincial initiative to recognize the issue of family violence in the province of Alberta.
“Approximately one in four women will experience abuse in their lifetime,” said Brenda Parsons, Bonnyville FCSS community support worker. “Unfortunately for Aboriginal women, that statistic is even higher.”
One in three Canadian Aboriginal women will experience abuse in their lifetime.
The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS) released their statistics collected from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 which revealed that the 40 organizations saw over 10,000 abused women, children and seniors use their services. During this time, 8,076 women and 8,283 children were turned away from one of the ACWS facilities due to a lack of space.
To spread awareness of family violence in Bonnyville, events will be hosted throughout the month of November, starting with Wear Purple Day.
On Nov. 1, local schools are invited to participate in Wear Purple Day by wearing purple, and speaking out against family violence.
“And showing that we are aware of the issue and that we want to change this environment for the future,” said Parsons.
Students who send a photo of their class wearing purple are entered into a draw for a pizza party.
The following day, FCSS will be hosting the Walk of Peace. Starting at the Bonnyville Youth Centre, residents will walk downtown and circle back to the centre. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the walk.
“It's to raise awareness and to say that we want peace in our homes, in our schools, and in our communities,” explained Parsons.
A candlelight vigil will be hosted on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the gazebo on main street, in conjunction with the vigil hosted in Cold Lake.
“It's to honour those that have lost their lives to family violence, as well to inspire people with stories of hope from survivors,” Parsons said.
From Nov. 13 to 19, FCSS is hosting Bully Awareness Week, and is asking students to sign pledges to stand up against bullying, as well they will have displays at local schools throughout the week.
Another display, which will include information on family violence and the support systems available, will be posted at the community health centre.
Parsons said this allows for information and help to be readily available to those living in the community, and said although it is only up for the month of November, there is always information available through FCSS.
“A problem that is hidden is never solved,” said Parsons. “We need to bring the problem to light, and to make people aware that this is an issue, and once that is accomplished, then we can work at dealing with this and what's a better way to work together.”
She added that informing youth about family violence is the start of the solution.
“It starts with the kids, because they are the ones that are our future, and they are the ones that can change how we deal with each other.”
Working with schools, FCSS hosts a variety information sessions about healthy family relationships, offers one on one support with those experiencing family violence, and recently started working with the BEE Café for girls.
“We want that solution. We want our society changed, and we have to start with kids because they are the ones that are going to make the changes,” explained Parsons, adding having a month dedicated to family violence shows those experiencing it they have the support of their community.
“It sends a message that there is hope and there is help and you are not alone, and that is huge. That message of hope is huge.”
