Take Back the Night march slated for Thursday
By Contributor
This is a community march in support of women and children’s safety. Everyone in the community is invited – women, men, children and pets.
The march will start at the Canadian Tire parking lot (2000 Columbia Avenue). The march will leave the parking lot at 6:15 p.m. (with an RCMP escort) and proceed on the sidewalk to the Safeway parking lot. People are encouraged to bring banners, signs, noisemakers, balloons etc.
Refreshments, goodies, guest speakers, music and art on canvas will follow the march at the Safeway parking lot.
Why attend?
In Canada, every 15 seconds a woman is beaten by someone she loves and trusts. Furthermore, 50 per cent of reported homicides were committed by a spouse or family member. In 2007-2008, 105 of B.C.’s shelters admitted 11,881 women and 5,416 children.
Do you know someone that is being affected by domestic relationship violence or are you a woman being abused?
Violence against women is a widespread social issue with devastating and lasting health consequences. Abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic level, culture and more. Abuse can take on many forms including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual. The cycle of violence can last for years with the average victim leaving the abuser seven times before leaving for good. Research shows that a faltering economy and the stress it causes can result in increased violence against women.
What can you do to respond to relationship violence? For yourself or for a friend or family member, reach out for support …
The best way to respond to violence is by collaborating with other people in your community…the RCMP, Crisis Line and other health organizations. As well, Castlegar and District Community Services offers a number of programs for women experiencing relationship violence.
1) Safe Homes and Outreach – 24-hour emergency services, and short-term crisis housing and support for women and their children;
2) RCMP Victim Services – information on the justice system, as well as court orientation and accompaniment;
3) Stopping the Violence Counselling – specialized counselling for women who have been sexually assaulted, abused as a child, or in an abusive dating/domestic relationship.
Violence against women is a community responsibility. Let’s work together to end violence. Make a stand by participating in the Take Back the Night March on Oct. 8.
For more information contact Leanna at 250-365-7341, Corine at 250-365-2104, or Cpl. Postnikoff at the Castlegar RCMP Detachment at250-365-7721.
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