Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society marks start of Family Violence Prevention Month

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Natasha Carvalho, executive director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, says the ribbons are intended to spark conversations and remind people that support is available.

“Keeping silent about family violence isn’t the way to make it go away,” Carvalho said.

She says the community needs to be willing to check in on one another and believe people when they speak about what they’re experiencing.

The society serves about 1,400 people each year through its shelters, outreach programs and crisis lines.

Carvalho says the emergency shelter has reached 35 people on a couple of nights since reopening following renovations.

Although it is funded as a 30-bed shelter, it can accommodate up to 44 people if needed.

During a presentation to Medicine Hat City Council at its Monday evening meeting, Carvalho also highlighted an operational funding gap of about $500,000.

Carvalho said the organization has not received an increase in its operational funding in more than 12 years, despite the range of services it provides.

“We’ll never change the trajectory of family violence until we start having these conversations about it,” Carvalho told council.

Medicine Hat Family Service executive director Celina Symmonds says community partnerships are important in supporting people who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Her organization works with the women’s shelter to provide counselling and trauma support.

Symmonds says people experiencing family violence need to know others are willing to support them.

“I think it’s our job as community members to step forward and let people know that we are allies and we’re here for them when and if they’re ready to ask for help,” Symmonds said.

Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark signed a proclamation declaring November Family Violence Prevention Month after the memorial walk.

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(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

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Clark says the city has several organizations working to support vulnerable residents, although the hope is to prevent people from needing those services in the first place.

“It’s obviously sad that we need those resources,” Clark said.

“But, man, when you do need them, it’s so nice that we have the caring support there with the women’s shelter.”

Medicine Hat Police Chief Alan Murphy also took part in Monday’s walk, saying the event helps keep attention on an issue that continues to affect communities.

“I think it’s terrible that we have to recognize this, that this is an issue in our community, but it is in all communities,” Murphy said.

He says the purple ribbons also serve as a reminder to people experiencing family violence that they aren’t alone.

“Help is out there,” Murphy said.

Family Violence Prevention Month programming will continue throughout November, with the women’s shelter partnering with local organizations to raise awareness and share information about available services.

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READ: Family Violence Prevention Month begins with annual memorial walk in Medicine Hat

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society marks start of Family Violence Prevention Month

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