As Family Violence Prevention Month is recognized in Alberta in November its message that all family members should and must be safe and secure in their daily lives is a year-round message well worth heeding.
The theme of this year’s 32nd annual awareness month is “Reach Out, Speak Out – Everyone has the Right to be Safe.”
Whether focusing on family violence prevention this month will end up reducing instances of abuse in Alberta towns and cities remains to be seen. What is known is that any and all efforts aimed at making those communities family violence-free are well worthwhile.
For his part, Irfan Sabir, minister of community and social services, says the government is more determined than ever to bring support to residents facing family violence.
“Every Albertan has the right to be safe,” said Sabir. “If you are in an abusive situation, I want you to know you are not alone. There are resources and people available to help and support you. Alongside our community partners, we’re working hard to break the cycle of abuse and end violence in our communities.”
The province defines family violence as an abuse of power in a family, intimate partnership or other trusting relationship where people rely on each other.
“It can affect people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. There are resources available for Albertans in abusive situations, including a new user-friendly website that will help survivors find the supports they need to stay safe, no matter where they live,” he said.
The government and its stakeholder partners have made a number of resources available to help abuse victims, including an $8.1-million funding increase to the Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Services to provide aid to survivors of sexual violence.
As well, the province has increased support for women and children affected by family violence with new $15-million spending.
Albertans have the right to be safe in their daily lives. So if you know someone encountering or experiencing family violence, call 911.
Dan Singleton is the editor of the Mountain View Gazette.
