Help is out there for victims of family violence

Says Barb Barber, committee co-chair, it was created with the goal of better addressing domestic violence by working together rather than alone.

“People do not have to remain in an abusive relationship or situation,” says Barber, also executive director at the Outreach Centre. “The likelihood is we all know someone who lives daily with the threat of abuse in their home and relationships.”

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented pressure on those dealing with home violence and those who offer assistance, Barber notes.

“Risk of intimate partner violence increases during crises such as pandemics. Social/physical distancing measures intended to contain COVID-19 exposure due to illness also reduce access to supports, and increase daily exposure to potential abuse,” she explains. “The control and intimidations tactics already used by partners to cause harm, can be compounded by their use of COVID-19-related controlling behaviours.”

Family violence can also be fatal, shares Rayann Toner, co-chair, and executive director at the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES).

“Our hope is that DRVIC’s combined services can help support victims and families by educating and creating awareness of domestic homicide, and for the need to create high security and safe spaces to counter violence,” Toner says. “We’ve had victims of violence in our community who have lost their lives and loved ones, which is devastating.”

On Dec. 6, CAWES will host a virtual vigil to honour lives lost to domestic violence on what is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. That day is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence which begins Nov. 25.

Meantime, a new outdoor display by the Central Alberta Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is bringing attention to the subject.

The ‘Silent Witnesses’ project, currently set up by the centre’s office at Taylor Drive and 50 Street, is comprised of purple cut-outs of people young and old adorned with messages of hope for passers-by to reflect on. They also bear the number of the centre’s crisis hotline. It will move to different locations around the community over the coming weeks.

“Sexual violence and family violence can impact anyone, and unless people have awareness of where they can go and get support, and that it does impact everyone, they’re less likely to seek that support out,” shares Carlia Schwab, community support services coordinator. “What we’re hoping is people see this and identify with a body type or with a message, realize this is important, and that they do know somebody affected.”

According to a July 2020 report by Statistics Canada, when asked specifically about clients seeking support for domestic violence, 54 per cent of victim services groups reported an increase in calls between mid-March and early July.

From March 1 to November 20, 2020, CASASC’s help line has received 886 texts or calls for help. In the same time period of 2019, it had 475 requests for assistance. This July, it saw a 234 per cent year over year increase, potentially correlating with the loosening of restrictions which kept people isolated at home in dangerous situations.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation says on its website that spousal violence against women costs Canadian taxpayers $7.4 billion annually, with children who witness violence in the home twice as likely to develop psychiatric disorders.

For resources in Red Deer or central Alberta, call the Outreach Centre at 403-347-2480, and CASAC’s 24-hour help line is 1-866-956-1099. If you have interest in lending your skills to DRVIC, contact Barb Barber at 403-406-4141 or Rayann Toner at 403-346-5643.

*Note: This story is part of a series of throughout November promoting Family Violence Prevention Month.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Help is out there for victims of family violence

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