Violence Awareness Week

Yorkton Council unanimously proclaimed Violence Awareness Week for Dec. 4 to Dec. 10 in the city.

The request for the designation was made at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday by the Yorkton Partnership Against Violence Committee.

"We are seeking this proclamation as a means of emphasizing the need for the entire community to work together to eliminate violence. The reality of violence affects each and every one of us; whether it is through our children, the legal system or the health care system," said LaVern Dumka of Shelwin House, one of the member organizations of the Committee.

Dumka said violence affects almost everyone either directly, or in-directly.

"The reality of violence affects each of us. One in four Canadian women have experienced abuse from their partner. The children will often see, hear or be a victim of abuse in these situations. The children are the silent victims," she said. "To begin to understand the seriousness of domestic violence, one can count every fourth house on their street and reflect back on the stat that one in four women is abused by their partner."

The impact of violence is the reason for the proclamation.

"We are seeking the proclamation as a means of emphasizing the need for the entire community to work together to eliminate violence. We believe that with education, awareness and community support that violence is never acceptable, we hope to be able to reduce and prevent abuse in our society," said Dumka.

"December 6th has been designated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. This day marks the twenty second year since the Montreal Massacre when fourteen women were murdered by a lone gunman at a Montreal University."

Laura Krawetz, also with the Committee detailed the events surrounding the week.

"On Tuesday, Dec. 6th, at 7:00 p.m. we will have a Candlelight Vigil at SIGN on Broadway in memory off all those that have lost their lives because of violence and to remember those whose lives have been or are being affected by violence," she said.

"Following the Vigil, we are honoured to have Bernice Cartwright speak about her journey of abuse and how she was able to move on to a life without abuse."

There will also be efforts focused on raising awareness of the week, and its importance.

"Throughout the week Shelwin House will visit the various agencies that support us throughout the year to ensure they have our pamphlets and posters to display. We will be connecting with the churches in our area to ask them to hold a minute of silence during the December 6th weekend services to pray for peace so all may live without abuse," said Krawetz.