The Interministerial Women’s Secretariat and Department of Community Services and Seniors is pleased to present a new guide to help Island men and women experiencing abuse – or being abusive – get the help they need, said Community Services and Seniors Minister Valerie E. Docherty.
“The first step is recognizing that a relationship is abusive, the second step is getting help to end the abuse,” Docherty said. “I hope Islanders suffering in silence will get the help and support they need by working with the organizations listed in this new guide.”
The guide, Information for Women and Men in an Abusive Relationship: A guide to finding services that can help you, was born of a partnership between the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat with Justice Options for Women and P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Services. It is a compilation of all of the Island’s services available to both victims and abusers. The Guide provides a description of each service including information on hours of operation, the approximate wait times and whether or not there is a fee for service. It also contains information to help neighbours, friends and families recognize the signs of abuse and information on service providers to contact for advice if someone they know is being abused or if someone they know is being abusive.
“The chaos of living in violence can make decision making and planning for the future even more difficult than they already are,” said Kirstin Lund, member of Justice Options for Women.
“Knowing where to go, what services are available and who can help are often questions those leaving abusive relationships find overwhelming. This guide will help women to navigate and connect with services, organizations and agencies that can help.”
The guide – which will be available in public spaces across the Island – is being released during Family Violence Prevention Week, a time when the government urges all Islanders to stop and think about their relationships, how they can help people in abusive ones and honour victims of violence.
“Knowing how vital it is that women access the supports they need when they are in an abusive relationship, we were pleased to partner with the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat on this initiative,” said Phil Matusiewicz, Executive Director of PEI Family Violence Prevention Services.
“This guide will be a valuable tool for both women and men to connect with resources that are available across Prince Edward Island.”