Purple ribbons, memorial walk begin Family Violence Prevention Month

“It’s a good conversation starter and I think that’s the biggest piece that we struggle with is how to have those conversations and how do you bring those things up,” says the executive director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society. “So we just really want people to feel empowered to have those conversations.”

Having those conversations starts with recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence. Carvalho says isolation is one warning sign to keep an eye out for.

“Sometimes you haven’t seen a friend in some time, or even checked in and you haven’t heard from your neighbour in a while. You know if you feel comfortable to knock on a door, pick up a phone, send a text. Do that and just check in with people. That’s what’s really important,” she says.

She says just being there for friends, family and loved ones is a big part of getting the conversations started as well.

“When they are ready to reach out they will reach out and then you believe them and listen to their story and maybe you can help them make that first phone call to the shelter,” she says. “And maybe that doesn’t mean they have to come into shelter but they can definitely talk to one of our workers and get support that way and so maybe you can be that bridge or that transition for them.”

A pair of domestic violence deaths in our area in October – one in the city and one in the county – have put even more emphasis on Family Violence Prevention Month than usual.

Carvalho says the shelter sends its condolences to the families and hearing stories with such tragic endings is the staff’s worst nightmare.

“We do these kinds of events and months because we want people to never feel like they’re isolated and never feel like there isn’t an option for them to turn to, to reach out for that help,” she said.

Carvalho says last year was one of the women’s shelter’s busiest years. More than 1,500 people accessed either the shelter, outreach or the various programs. She says one-third of those are innocent victims.

“1,500 is a significant number I think for a community this size, and I think what is important for me for people to realize is 500 of those were children,” she says. “We really do a lot of work in our shelter programs to do some early intervention and supporting kids who we know have been impacted by family violence in an effort to maybe break the cycle.”

In a statement, Carvalho says one in four women and one in seven men will experience family violence in their lifetime.

Anybody who’s escaping family violence and needs some supports is welcome at the shelter, she adds.

Educating people about who can access the shelter and the programs it offers has been a focus in recent years.

“You don’t have to come into the shelter maybe you have other arrangements or things you’re more comfortable with and you can be safe,” Carvalho says. “But you still might need to talk to someone about safety planning, you might still need to just have a friendly ear to listen and talk about processing what you’re going through and we’re definitely here for that.”

Other highlights of Family Violence Prevention Month include the Seventh Annual Pet Walk on Nov. 13, and a presentation by the women’s shelter to city council on Nov. 15.

There are also a purple ribbon Adopt-a-Block program, a series of free webinars, and displays at the Medicine Hat Public Library and Esplanade.

Visit the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society website for more details.

by Chris Brown

Purple ribbons, memorial walk begin Family Violence Prevention Month

Our Community