Campaign to support women against violence

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

A single red rose graces desks at many businesses throughout Strathmore this week, as residents remember the need to end violence against women.
The Red Rose Campaign is part of Women against Violence week that runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 this year.
The canadianwomen.org website states that 50 per cent of women older than 16 will experience at least one act of physical or sexual violence in their lives. Statistics confirm that once every six days, a Canadian woman dies at the hands of an intimate partner. While numbers show violence in marriage situations has decreased, due in part to awareness and education programs, violence between common-law partners, in dating situations and with intimate acquaintances has increased.
Men are not excluded from violence. They often experience abuse, but are more reticent to report it.
It is noted that violence against others increases during natural disasters and tough economic times. Abusive behaviour can also bleed out of the home and be carried into the workplace and school environments.
Sometimes the definition of abuse is blurred and misunderstood. Jealousy and controlling behaviour can seem flattering. Emotional putdowns and humiliation’s effects sometimes aren’t visible, but they can cause scars just the same to self-esteem, and reactions can last a lifetime. Sexual abuse is any sexual experience that makes the person uncomfortable. There is also spiritual abuse where religious beliefs are mocked or curtailed. Financial abuse is controlling money information or access to finances.
The Wheatland Crisis Society (Strathmore Shelter) website lists six actions that individuals can take to decrease violence in daily interactions. This includes using kindness and respect in daily interactions, speaking out against violence, abstaining from bullying and not tolerating bullying of others, supporting visible minorities and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) groups, and watching tone and language as humour can be used to hurt and demean people too.
Public awareness campaigns and education have increased awareness of the issue in the general population, but much more needs to be done.
The Strathmore Shelter has 20 trained staff and offers short-term care and counselling for families and individuals trying to break abusive cycles in their lives. They offer tools and referrals to help people get back on their feet and make a new beginning.
The crisis line number is 403-934-6634 and someone will answer the line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We remain proud of the role we play in protecting all people from violence regardless of gender. We are committed to a collaborative domestic violence response that ensures families are safe, secure and supported,” said shelter director Wanda McGinnis. “The families we work with are struggling and their needs are complex.”
She said 253 adults and children accessed the shelter this year. Each person received counselling, support, information, advocacy and referrals. Shelter staff is committed to assessing risk and discussing safety with each client to reduce incidents of violence.
McGinnis said the landscape in Alberta is changing. She said it is harder than ever to set families up for success. In spite of challenges, the Strathmore Shelter has been able to become more creative, and sometimes clients have needed to stay far longer than planned.
“These same challenges mean that sadly, 305 adults and children were not able to receive shelter because we simply did not have beds for them,” said McGinnis. “Staff ensures everyone has a safe place – no one is left in harm’s way. This sometimes means families are in hotels to sleep and in the shelter during the day for programming, counselling, meals and support.”
To learn more about the Strathmore Shelter, visit them at strathmoreshelter.com.