Family Violence Prevention Week is an opportunity to help raise awareness about the issue of family violence and to show those living in unhealthy relationships that there is hope for the future, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“The Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention would like to see family violence eliminated in Prince Edward Island, but that cannot happen without support from the community,” said Premier Ghiz. “We need to demonstrate to those living in unhealthy situations that there is a way out. By holding events in our communities and schools, participating in events like the walk in silence or by wearing purple in recognition of this important cause, we are showing our solidarity for the victims of abuse who feel that they don’t have a voice or a choice.”
February 8 - 14 is Family Violence Prevention Week in Prince Edward Island. Communities are marking Family Violence Prevention Week by sponsoring walks, awareness sessions, fundraising events, and other activities.
“The word ‘community’ is shorthand for all of us. We all live in communities and we work and play in other communities,” said Ann Sherman, Chair of the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention. “By demonstrating, through the walk in silence, our willingness to recognize that family violence is real and that it happens in each of our communities we are also letting victims know that we will listen to them without judgment, support them in any way they wish, and encourage them to make whatever decisions they need to make to end the violence in their lives and begin a safer future.”
Beginning Sunday, February 8, Province House will be lit up in purple to raise awareness about family violence prevention initiatives. The 6th Annual Walk in Silence for Victims of Family Violence will begin at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 11 at Province House. The walk is open to everyone, and will end at City Hall with a reception sponsored by the Mayor’s Purple Ribbon Task Force with support from the Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention.
“I hope through the activities planned throughout the province that Islanders recognize we all have a role to play in ensuring our friends, families and co-workers are safe. We all have a responsibility to look for the warning signs and take action when needed,” said Minister of Community Services and Seniors and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Valerie E. Docherty. “I also hope Islanders recognize the need to put an end to the cycle of abuse and learn how to demonstrate the characteristics of healthy relationships for our children, and those around us.”
To learn more about family violence prevention and for a complete schedule of activities, visit www.stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca/2015campaign or call 902-368-6712.