Purple ribbons were tied to trees, light posts and gates to honour those impacted by family violence. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

Family Violence Prevention Month kicks off with purple ribbon walk

Nov 1, 2024 | 6:10 PM

Purple ribbons were tied to trees, light posts and bicycle racks downtown Medicine Hat on Friday to honour and remember those impacted by family violence to kick off a month dedicated to preventing it.

Over two dozen people, including city Coun. Cassi Hider and several police officers, participated in the 10th annual walk after Mayor Linnsie Clark signed a proclamation to launch Family Violence Prevention Month.

The ribbons also serve as a way to bring light to the issue, according to Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society executive director Natasha Carvalho.

“Family violence just continues to increase in our community and in the surrounding areas,” Carvalho told CHAT News from in front of city hall where the walk began.

“That’s partly why we’re doing a big renovation and expansion to our existing emergency shelter, because we just need to be able to be here, sadly, for the longer term.”

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Carvalho said the Women’s Shelter Society is presenting to council Monday with the hope of securing additional financial support from the City of Medicine Hat.

The society has several events planned during November to raise awareness for family violence prevention.

Searle Turton, Alberta’s children and family services minister, highlighted his government’s $10-million investment in women’s shelters and sexual assault centres as it marked the violence prevention month.

“No Albertan should ever have to experience family violence or endure the trauma and devastating, long-lasting scars it leaves behind,” said in a statement.

“Thank you to all of our incredible family violence prevention partners and every Albertan who has courageously stood up to make communities across the province safer from violence.”

The Alberta arts, culture and status minister Tanya Fir pointed to the province’s efforts to create a 10-year plan to end gender-based violence.

“Any form of violence, whether it be family violence or gender-based violence, must be stopped,” Fir said in a release statement.

“This action plan will help foster a culture of consent, engage men and boys, support survivors, address root causes of gender-based violence and support critical services within Alberta.”

The purple ribbons were tied up along downtown Medicine Hat streets on Friday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

The ruling United Conservatives set aside $19 million to create and implement the action plan in this year’s budget.

It will take a “collective effort” from survivors, community leaders and organizations — such as the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter — to help bring an end to gender-based violence, Fir said.

Violence prevention month events

There are several events taking place for Family Violence Prevention Month in Medicine Hat.

Story Time and Activities

Nov. 7 and 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Redcliff Public Library

Join us for two story times and activities, focusing on empathy building, and dealing with anger and big feelings. Suitable for elementary-aged children.

Medicine Hat Tigers Game.

Nov. 9 at Co-op Place

Come on out to the game and support MHWSS through ATB Financial’s Chuck-a-puck!

Leading Change: Domestic Violence & Your Workplace.

Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In partnership with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, this free training for Chamber members aims to educate workplaces about domestic violence, its connection to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and how to create a safer working environment. Chamber members can register online here.

Medicine Hat Tigers Game

Nov. 15

MHWSS will be dropping the puck at the game to mark FVPM, and be set up at the Community Corner.

Sun Valley Honda will be collecting donations of new toys/presents as part of the start of our annual Christmas Hamper Campaign.

Celebrating International Men’s Day

Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Medicine Hat College

In partnership with the Students Association of MHC and Sanare, join us outside the SAMHC offices for SWAG bags, trivia/conversation cards, and informational displays.

This year’s theme is “Men’s Health Champions,” to encourage men to work to build healthy communities, look out for each other, and promote health and wellness.

Senior Safety Series: Elder Abuse Awareness.

Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Veiner Centre.

Join us at the Veiner Centre to learn more about elder abuse, family violence, local resources and supports.

Guest speakers include: MHWSS, Safe Families Intervention Team (Medicine Hat Police Service), Victims Assistance Unit (Medicine Hat Police Service), and Sanare Centre.

Free for members and non-members to attend.

Register by calling 403-529-8307, or register at the Veiner Centre reception desk.

The Veiner Centre will also have a display up about Elder Abuse throughout the month.

Story Time at the Medicine Hat Public Library.

Nov. 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us for a story time and activities centred on building empathy, for ages six to nine.

Pre-registration is required at https://mhpl.shortgrass.ca/.

MHPL will also have a display throughout the month for FVPM.