Reach out. Speak out. November is Family Violence Prevention Month

Mayor Rod Frank has declared November as Family Violence Prevention Month in Strathcona County.

In partnership with community agencies, Strathcona County will be promoting awareness, education and dialogue about family violence prevention through the month-long Reach Out. Speak Out. campaign. Partner agencies include A Safe Place, Saffron Centre, altView Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters-Strathcona, Volunteer Strathcona, Victim Services and RCMP.

“At this time when COVID-19 can cause individuals to be more isolated and vulnerable, it is everyone’s responsibility to help end family violence in our community,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “Individuals are encouraged to seek resources to nurture healthy relationships as well as speak out in support of others experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships.”

The Reach Out. Speak Out. campaign encourages community members to learn where they can turn to receive support for themselves or those they are concerned about. Through the County and community partners, many resources are available to help people understand healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, and to develop skills and confidence in offering support to those needing help.

Family violence continues to be a complex issue that affects all walks of life in Strathcona County. In 2019, RCMP received 863 reports of family violence. A Safe Place admitted 199 women and 234 children to the shelter, and supported an additional 92 families through its outreach program.

The community is working collectively to address root causes of violence while seeking innovative ways to intervene and assist those who are living in violent circumstances. COVID-19 has required creative approaches, such as new partnerships being formed with local pharmacists and physicians to support residents who are experiencing violence.

As part of the province’s Family Violence Prevention Month theme, learn #WhereToTurn, residents are encouraged to learn more about available resources. They can also share how they support healthy relationships by using the #SCspeakout hashtag online.

Family and Community Services helps individuals and families who would like to make a positive change in their life or who have concerns with relationships.

Counselling services are “pay what you can afford,” evening hours are available, and no appointment is necessary - including for call-in counselling. Residents can call 780-464-4044 or visit strathcona.ca/SCspeakout.

Anyone who is in, or aware of an abusive situation, is encouraged to call Alberta’s 24-hour Family Violence Information Line: 310-1818. Locally, women who are being abused can call A Safe Place 24-hour crisis line: 780-464-7233.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact:

Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595