SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN – November marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
With this, the Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. is recognizing and bringing awareness to the issues and hardships individuals are facing in the southeast.
The Wikipedia definition states that “Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence (IPV), is domestic violence by a current or former spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner. IPV can take a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic and sexual abuse."
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines IPV as "any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm to those in the relationship, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours.”
According to Stats Canada, “in 2021, police reported 114,132 victims of intimate partner violence aged 12 years and older. It marked the seventh consecutive year of gradual increase in this type of violence. Eight in ten (79 per cent) victims of such violence were women and girls, and the rate of victimization was nearly four times higher among women and girls than men and boys.”
“These facts are incredibly eye-opening, but sadly, not surprising,” said Laura Melle, director of operations at Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. “As an agency, we are definitely noticing an increase in demand for services and support for those who have been impacted by intimate partner abuse in their lives.
"What sometimes goes unrecognized, is the full scope of the impact that this violence has on communities. Intimate partner violence not only impacts those who are directly experiencing the abuse, but it also impacts the family safety and mental health of children and many other individuals involved such as caregivers, educational staff, etc.”
Envision provides therapeutic counselling and support services through a number of programs to individuals who have been, or are at risk of being, impacted by crime and/or abuse. The interpersonal violence and abuse (IVA) program, specifically supports individuals who have been impacted by violence and abuse in their lives, whether it be personally or secondary, while the family intervention rapid support team (FIRST) supports those who are at risk.
Envision provides a safe space to navigate traumatic experience and the healing journey. Most of the programming and services at Envision are provided free of charge.
To learn more about Envision’s services, reach out to any of their office locations or email info@envisioncounsellingcentre.com. There is also an “Ask a Counsellor” option available on their website. www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.
