Local community groups came together to end family violence as Bonnyville hosted its first Walk for Peace. Organized by the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre's Bonnyville Outreach office, the walk took place on Wednesday, Nov.
Local community groups came together to end family violence as Bonnyville hosted its first Walk for Peace.
Organized by the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre's Bonnyville Outreach office, the walk took place on Wednesday, Nov. 2 in conjunction with Family Violence Prevention Month.
It is just one of many initiatives being held province-wide throughout November to help raise awareness of family violence in Alberta.
"It's an opportune time to bring awareness to the community on family violence issues," said Candina Wosminity of the DMSCC Bonnyville Outreach.
Along with the crisis centre's Bonnyville outreach program, the Walk for Peace brought together the local RCMP, Bonnyville Victim Services Unit, and Boys and Girls Club. Participants proudly wore purple ribbons pinned close to their heart and held their signs high.
"It's important for everyone to recognize Family Violence Prevention Month," said Brenda Parsons, Bonnyville FCSS community support worker. "It's a huge social issue, and any issue that is hidden away and not talked about, it doesn't get solved."
The theme this year for Family Violence Prevention Month is Reach Out, Speak Out.
"The idea is that we are doing this walk and reaching out to people, and we're recognizing that family violence is in our community and we need to do something about it," emphasized Wosminity.
Parsons echoed her comments, "We need to recognize there are people that are being hurt by unhealthy relationships, so we need to, as the theme says, reach out and speak out about family violence, so those people feel supported and acknowledged."
This was the first time the walk has been hosted in town, although it has been held in Cold Lake in previous years through the DMSCC.
"We wanted to bring this initiative to our community. It's been a long time since Bonnyville has had an initiative surrounding family violence and those issues. So it's time we bring some initiatives to our community," said Wosminity, adding it was time that they bring the community together to help spread awareness of the issue.
Parsons said she believes the walk was a success, and that they plan on adding a speaker into the mix for next year.
Anyone looking for more information can visit the DMSCC Bonnyville Outreach office, located at the New Park Place, or call 780-826-2656.
