The Prince Edward Island Advisory Council on the Status of Women is horrified and saddened at the most recent incident of violence against women on PEI.
"Violence against women is not as uncommon as we choose to believe it is," states Patricia Roy- Ballem, Advisory Council Chairperson. "Just this weekend a local community was shocked by the violent and tragic death of Kimberly Byrne."
In PEI between April 1999 and March 2000, a total of 1,647 women and children used support services through the Transition House Association that provides shelter and outreach for women and children who are victims of abuse.
Members of the Cardigan community that mourn the loss of Kimberly Byrne have requested purple ribbons from the Advisory Council's Purple Ribbon Campaign to pass out and wear in remembrance of Kimberly and her death as a result of family violence. These purple ribbons are being worn as visual reminders that violence against women has a personal face.
"Every time a woman suffers violence, it must be acknowledged that such violence is still not taken seriously despite advances made in the past 10 years" states Roy-Ballem. "Women still face the threat of rape, assault, abuse, discrimination and murder as in the case of Kimberly Byrne."
Individuals and communities can do something about violence against women. First, find out more about the problem of violence against women and then examine your own attitudes and behaviours towards others. Stand up against sexist behaviour and the tolerance of violence. Find out about the support services offered in your community and be willing to accept and assist someone who may come to you for advice or assistance. Also, make your concerns known to your provincial and federal politicians to ensure that legislation is enacted to deal with violence of this nature.
For more information about what you can do to help eradicate violence against women contact the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, or contact Transition House Association for the name and number of an outreach worker in your community.
Contact Heidi Rankin - 368-4510