April 17-23 is Prevention of Violence Against Women Week and Creston RCMP Staff Sgt. Darryl Hammond says it is important to recognize the work that local agencies do to counter the violence.
“The safe home is a very important part of this community and the agency that operates it, Kootenai Community Centre Society, is doing a lot of good work,” he said. “Our victim services worker, Jenn Meekes, says that violence is an ongoing issue in the Creston area, as it is in all communities.”
The Prevention of Violence Against Women Week is an annual campaign to recognize that violence against women affects many and there is a need to speak up about the issue.
A brochure promoting the week and various services says, “The initiative raises awareness for a woman’s right to live free from violence, and encourages the growth in programs that assist women who are fleeing from violence.
“While government funding is one integral part in building the foundation of ending violence against women, we must change attitudes by engaging and partnering with men and boys in preventing violence against women.”
Prevention of Violence Against Women Week has been recognized since 1995, beginning a movement to encourage the public to express its commitment to reducing and preventing violence against women, as well as to raise awareness about the unacceptability of violence against women, youth and children in B.C. communities.
Victims of violence or witnesses are encouraged to contact the RCMP locally at 250-428-9313 or to call 911 if it is an emergency situation.
VictimLink BC is a toll-free, confidential telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 110 languages. The number to call is 1-800-563-0808.
Donations can be made for women’s shelter services in Creston by dropping them off or mailing to Creston RCMP Victim Services, 421 16th Ave. S., V0B 1G5. Envelopes should be marked “Women’s shelter donation.”