Violence Awareness Week was declared Monday by Yorkton Council for the current week of Dec. 2 - Dec. 8.
"This week encompasses December 6, which in 1991 was designated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. It is held in conjunction with the Montreal Massacre; on the day of December 6, 1989 a gunman walked into a Montreal University and killed 14 female engineering students," said LaVern Dumka of Shelwin House who appeared before the regular meeting of Council to make the request.
Dumka said the issue of violence is unfortunately one which continues.
"While we commemorate Dec. 6, we must face the fact that bullying in our society is as prevalent. Bullying may be the saddest experience of any child or adult and may result in either suicide or a homicide," she said.
"We believe that education, awareness and a community stance that bullying is never acceptable, so we will help to reduce and hopefully prevent bullying in our community."
Laura Krawerz, who also took part in the presentation, added "According to an article written by the Yorkton Partnership against Violence Committee members the definition of bullying is "a person exercising power to hurt another person through physical, verbal or social abuse. Many bullies have been or are being bullied themselves. By hurting and dominating others, they fulfill their need to fight back and be in the power position"."
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Yorkton Partnership Against Violence Committee is hosting a Candlelight Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cultural Centre.
"The theme for the Candlelight Vigil will be focused on the voices of our community youth shining the light on abuse and bullying through sharing of personal experiences, education and commitments to zero tolerance to violence," said Krawerz
The event is open to the public and free of charge.
