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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

PURPLE LIGHT NIGHTS

Red Deer group hopes to ease the difficulty of conversations around family violence

Nov 1, 2024 | 4:53 PM

Family Violence Prevention Month, which runs through November, once again aims to get people talking more openly about what is a difficult subject.

Following an evening of conversation on Nov. 1, the group Soroptimist International of Central Alberta is hoping people will enthusiastically take up the Purple Light Nights campaign.

Purple shirts and purple wreaths are available for purchase through the organization, and folks are encouraged to purchase purple lights to install in their porch area for November.

“People can then have a conversation to say they are shining purple lights to support survivors of domestic violence, and the people who maybe never made it out or are still trapped in a situation,” says Sherri Smith, local Soroptimists president.

“Domestic violence does not belong in our community. We encourage people to listen to others’ stories, especially during this month. We want people to educate themselves, because if you think back in your life, there’s probably someone you know who’s been affected by this.”

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Smith says shirts and wreaths can be purchased at the Nov. 1 event, or afterwards by contacting her at 403-391-7912.

Proceeds benefit the Soroptimists ‘Purple Angels’ fund, which was started less than five years ago to help pay for children’s educational opportunities if they’re in a situation where they’ve lost one or both parents due to family violence.

If someone believes they may qualify, contact Soroptimist International of Central Alberta.

Local landmarks may also turn purple at some point in November.

In Red Deer, there are several groups and programs to support victims such as Victim Services, the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) at Red Deer Regional Hospital, The Outreach Centre, the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES), Sendero Centre, and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, among others.

According to data from Statistics Canada, Alberta saw 388 cases of intimate partner violence per 100,000 people in 2022, which is fairy consistent going back to 2014. That mark was higher than the national rate of 346 per 100,000 people, but was also the sixth-lowest among all provinces and territories.

Statistics Canada also noted in a 2023 publication that after increasing for several years starting in 2015, police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence were stable in 2022.

Follow Soroptimist International of Central Alberta on social media.

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