Puple ribbons wrapped around trees during the Memorial Walk in 2024. File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Family Violence Prevention Month

Family Violence Prevention Month begins with Memorial Walk

Nov 3, 2025 | 9:06 AM

Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta takes place throughout November.

To mark the start of this, the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society hosts its annual Memorial Walk on Monday, Nov. 3 at 12:15 p.m.

The group invites the public to join them as they walk through downtown Medicine Hat, placing purple ribbons to honour those impacted by family violence.

The walk starts at Medicine Hat City Hall, where Mayor Linnsie Clark will declare Family Violence Prevention Month.

Natasha Carvalho, executive director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, said it’s a month of learning.

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“Family Violence Prevention Month is a way the community can come together to learn more about this issue, what local resources are available, and how they can be a part of building a safer community,” said Carvahlo.

“Alongside our annual memorial walk, which starts at Medicine Hat City Hall, we have a number of programs and events throughout the month to raise awareness and educate our community.”

Violence prevention month events

Several events are taking place for Family Violence Prevention Month in Medicine Hat during November and into December.

Medicine Hat Tigers Game

Nov. 8 at Co-op Place starting at 7 p.m.

The MHWSS will be set up in the Community Corner. You can support the group at the game through ATB Financial’s Chuck-a-puck, where you purchase a puck and toss it onto the ice during an intermission, trying to get closest to the target to win a prize.

Celebrating International Men’s Day

Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Medicine Hat College

In partnership with the Students Association of MHC and Sanare, the group will be outside the SAMHC offices with SWAG bags, trivia/conversation cards, and informational displays. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Men & Boys”

Senior Safety Series – Elder Abuse Awareness

Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to Noon @ the Veiner Centre.

The group will be at the Veiner Centre teaching more about elder abuse, family violence, local resources and supports.

Guest speakers include: MHWSS, Safe Families Intervention Team and MHPS Cybercrimes.

The event is free for members and non-members to attend.

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

The Veiner Centre will also have a display up about Elder Abuse from Nov. 10 to Nov. 20.

Midnight Madness @ Kolab

Nov. 21st from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 557 Second St. SE in Medicine Hat

Details will be released at a later date on the MHWSS social media page.

“Silent Witness” Display at Medicine Hat Public Library

From Nov. 4 to 24 at 414 First St. SE in Medicine Hat

The “Silent Witness” display, which honours people murdered by a spouse, partner or acquaintance, will be up at the Medicine Hat Public Library.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 in partnership with Medicine Hat College

The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, in partnership with MHC, will have a display to bring awareness to Gender Based Violence.

This year’s theme is focused on Technological Abuse.

Annual Memorial Vigil

Dec. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Medicine Hat College

The annual memorial vigil honours the lives lost in the École Polytechnique massacre and victims of gender-based violence in Canada over the past year.

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The full list of Family Violence Prevention Month events can also be found on the MHWSS’s website.