This year, the province of Prince Edward Island has joined with the other Atlantic Canada provinces in declaring Valentine's Week as Family Violence Prevention Week throughout Atlantic Canada.
Pat Mella, Minister responsible for the Status of Women on PEI, has endorsed this Atlantic Canada campaign by proclaiming February 9-15 as Family Violence Prevention Week on PEI. "By working together, we hope to make a significant difference in family violence in this region by sharing our resources and in recognizing opportunities to work jointly on family violence issues," says Pat Mella.
Valentine's Week has been selected as an appropriate time to mark this occasion as Valentine's Day is the time we traditionally set aside to demonstrate our love and commitment to friends and family. Ironically, however, it is our loved ones that too often become the victims of family violence.
Family violence knows no boundaries. Men, women and children of all ages can be victims of verbal, physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Family violence is an issue that affects us all either directly or indirectly.
A number of activities are being held throughout the province to recognize Family Violence Prevention Week. During this week, we challenge every person, every school, every community, every service group and every church to become involved. Organize panel discussions, show a video on your local cable station, make a donation to an organization that helps victims of violence, find out what resources are available in your community and most importantly GET INVOLVED and PARTICIPATE. By working together we can break the silence that surrounds violence and together we can work toward the elimination of violence within our families and communities.
For more information, contact Rona Brown, Health and Community Services Agency, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 7N8; (902) 368-6712 - phone; (902) 368-6136 - fax.