Centre for Positive Relationships opens in Lacombe

A new centre for domestic violence support opened up in Lacombe on Wednesday, which also marks the first day of Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta.
 
The public can now utilize the Lacombe Centre for Positive Relationships, located upstairs at the Mary C. Moore Library.
 
Judy Pyra with Lacombe FCSS said the new services provided are for anyone and everyone.
 
“We primarily address women that are leaving domestic situations, but this year I’ve dealt with three men who were in abusive situations,” said Pyra. “We have also dealt with three seniors who came through the doors. Seniors abuse is on the rise.”
 
Pyra said she’s personally served 73 Lacombe families since January.
 
The community resource at the Lacombe Memorial Centre also includes books, training and information binders, brochures and DVDs, all of which can be signed out free of charge.
 
What’s more is all 13 communities which are part of the Central Alberta Vision for Non-Violence Coalition are in the process of establishing their own ‘centre for positive relationships.’ Those communities include Blackfalds, Benalto, Bentley, Bowden, Delburne, Eckville, Elnora, Innisfail, Lacombe, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler and Sylvan Lake.
 
Additionally, this year’s theme for for Family Violence Prevention Month is “Reach Out, Speak Out,” something Pyra said extends beyond those who are victims of abuse.
 
“Reach Out, Speak Out was meant to be a provincial initiaitive to ensure people can find their voice by providing the resources they need and giving them the tools they need to access support services,” she said. “Reach Out, Speak Out is also encouraging the public to get involved and to talk openly about domestic violence and abuse in their communities.”
 
Mayor Grant Creasey, who was on hand to cut the ribbon, said he hasn’t been touched personally by domestic violence, but he understands nonetheless the importance of the new services.
 
“It is certainly a significant and real problem for some our residents,” he said, “and at a particularly difficult time in their life, it’s nice to know there’s a resource where they can get the help that they need.”
 
For more information, visit www.VisionForNonViolence.weebly.com and www.EndFamilyViolence.alberta.ca.