The week of December 4-10 has been officially declared Violence Awareness Week in the City of Yorkton.
"The reality of violence affects each and every one of us," spoke Laverne Dumka, Director of Shelwin House to Yorkton City council Monday evening. "One in four Canadian women have experienced abuse from their partner. The children will often see, hear and be a victim of abuse in these situations. The children are the silent victims."
Dumka says the intent behind the week is emphasize 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."
The week coincides with December 6 which is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. The day marks the 22 year since the Montreal Massacre when 14 women were murdered by a lone gunman.
Locally, at 7 p.m. a Candlelight Vigil has been planned at SIGN on Broadway. Following the vigil Bernice Cartwright will speak about her journey of abuse and how she was able to move on to a life without abuse.
The event is open to the public, free of charge and residents are encouraged to attend.
