The stark reality of spousal abuse seemed to be brought into focus for many when footage of National Football League player Ray Rice attacking his wife in an elevator came to light recently.
The video had both the NFL and Rice's team the Baltimore Ravens scrambling to increase suspensions and cut ties with the running back.
North of the border Canadian Football League teams are moving to be leaders in raising awareness of the ongoing issue.
As an example in British Columbia the Lions have launched 'Be More Than a Bystander'.
The program "is a groundbreaking initiative between EVA BC and the BC Lions aimed at substantially increasing understanding of the impact of men's violence against women. The program will break the silence surrounding violence against women and girls by providing tools, language and practical ideas about how to be more than a bystander, how to speak up and how to communicate that violence and abuse is not acceptable. Founding partners are Status of Women Canada, the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development and Encana Corporation," details the team's website.
Other CFL teams are doing similar things in an attempt to help those facing domestic violence.
The issue of domestic violence is however not confined to large cities.
It is something that happens in Yorkton, and Melville, in Kamsack, Langenburg and on farms throughout our region. It can happen in any household, and when it does there needs to be help for the abused and the abuser.
The abused needs a way to escape the violence and to begin the healing process in a safe environment.
The abuser needs help to grow beyond their need to violence.
Fortunately, locally, we have Shelwin House, a safe refuge for women escaping abuse.
While a home, the efforts of Shelwin House go beyond being a safe haven.
The Shelwin House Outreach program, which serves an area within 150 miles of the city "seeks to bring services to people who may not otherwise access service and to provide education about the aspects and factors of violence to individuals and communities in an effort to help communities develop capacity to establish supports and to help eradicate and prevent personal and family violence," explained Shannon Sullivan, outreach worker (see related story this issue).
While it is unfortunate such services are needed, it is at least good to know Shelwin House is there for those who do require help.
