Staggering numbers on family violence in Whitecourt

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. Domestic violence has reached an epidemic level in the province, and statistics show that 1 in 3 Albertans will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Statistics also show that one positive conversation can lead someone to seek more help. Given the high rate, it is more important than ever for everyone to understand the signs of abuse, learn how they can help, and educate themselves on the resources available.

“We know that if people are going to report abuse, 80 percent of the time, they go through a friend first rather than reporting it to the RCMP. Increasing that awareness about how to recognize and respond to it is a big thing,” explained Lynden Schwindt, Family Violence Liaison with the Whitecourt Family Violence Initiative. She said that for those who think something is happening in a friend’s or loved one’s relationship, being educated on the signs is essential.

If a friend or co-worker starts to talk about dealing with trauma at home, one of the most important things to do is listen, as doing so creates a safe place for them to share their experience without being afraid. Ask them if they are ok or scared. Ask if you can help and ask what they need. Signs of abuse include patterns in behaviour that seem off, people acting differently than they usually would, or acting fearful. The biggest thing is being willing to ask if something does not feel right. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. A lot of the times, people don’t want to damage their interpersonal relationships with having that conversation when they do suspect it.” 

Schwindt said that being educated on local resources can make all the difference. “Alberta has the third-highest rate of reported spousal abuse across all the provinces. This month is about increasing awareness of the resources and supports available so we can work together to end family violence and build healthier relationships in our community.” Throughout November, she asks that residents use the hashtags #wheretoturn (the Provincial theme) and #gopurpleAB to help spread awareness.

“We essentially have two economic/environmental crises that are happening at the same time, and I think that compounds the effect of family violence. Our community is not immune to it, and we are feeling the effects of it here.” So much so that in the second quarter of this year, reports of spousal abuse were up a staggering 133 percent compared to the same reporting period as last year. One hundred and thirty-three percent!!! “When COVID happened, and everyone was doing the isolating and could not go anywhere, the community felt it with financial strain and stresses, the kids being at home and having nowhere to turn to.”

Making sure the information is seen is at the forefront of this month’s campaign. “We are going to be hanging up two big banners, 44ft banners, on the CN stair bridge. They will be there all month long. They will have our mission statement on it and the family violence information line (310-1818). We are also going to be sending out community awareness kits to various businesses to help share the message with local business owners and staff.” Typically, they would have held the Breakfast with the Guys event, which was well attended by local businesspeople. “A lot of businesses sent their staff to take part, and we are really missing out on that conversation, so that’s why we made a makeshift version to bridge that gap.” 

On top of that, there will also be purple ribbons available at high traffic local businesses, and Schwindt asks residents to be on the lookout for them. “Statistically, it takes seven attempts for someone to leave a domestic abuse situation. Knowledge of those resources for that support, I think it would solidify people’s courage to make a move and stay gone.” Wearing a ribbon can help show those suffering in silence that people care and want to help.

One of the biggest reasons people stay in domestic violence situations is that they feel there are barriers in place that keep them from getting out. Schwindt said that she hopes that the following message makes its way to those who need to hear it. “Any barriers that you think you have, we are going to break them down. There is always a way out!” She said that many people do not know that you can break your lease if you are a domestic abuse victim, and your animals can even be sheltered. “Alberta SPCA has partnered with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters to house pets for the short-term while women are sheltered, so you don’t have to leave your pets.”

She said that getting out the information on local supports is critical. “Wellspring, Victims Services, and Addiction Services, too because we know that addiction and violence go hand in hand. With the increased stress that people are feeling, there are a lot more addiction issues going on. People are trying to cope and are not doing it in healthy ways,” explained Schwindt. “There’s also Native Counselling Services. We have quite a high proportion of Indigenous population here, and they are overrepresented in terms of domestic violence.”

There are a couple of virtual events this month, including an hour-long presentation by Len Rhodes, former CEO and President of the Edmonton Eskimos. “It’s an open online presentation on the morning of November 18. “It’s called When Push Comes to Shove, and it’s about his experiences of growing up in a household with family violence and the importance of speaking out against it,” she said. They will also have a full-day live workshop training event on trauma-informed care on November 26. It is free to the public but has limited registration.

“Know the signs, know what it looks like, and know the resources. It is so much more prevalent this year, and it is never ok or excusable. You might not have known someone suffering from domestic abuse last year, but you might this year. You never know who you might be able to help.” To learn more about the events happening and how you can help end family violence, follow the Facebook page Whitecourt Family Violence Initiative, or visit their website www.whitecourtfvi.ca. “The only thing stronger than fear is hope.”