Family Violence affects youth from all cultures. No one has a right to hurt anyone, ever, anywhere. Violence is never a solution. In an effort to increase awareness of this problem, November is Family Violence Prevention Month.
The launch and proclamation will be taking place at West Edmonton Mall on November 1, 2010 from noon to 1:00pm (NewCap Stage, Phase IV, Main Floor, West Edmonton Mall, 8882-170 Street. Enter from 178 Street and use either Entrance 56 from lower level of parkade or Entrance 55 from upper level of parkade to go through Scotiabank Theatres and downstairs to main floor).
The theme this year is My Voice…Is Our Voice…End the Silence…Stop the Violence…Youth Speaking our Against Family Violence. 10 youth will be speaking about how family violence affects them. Youth are standing up against family violence and supporting their peers. Together they are spreading information on how to get help for their friends who are affected by family violence. Also speaking at the launch will be a graduate from the Youth Emergency Shelter Program and YESS Director, Brad Pickford, who has been working for YESS since 1999 supporting youth. Lynda Steele from Global TV has graciously agreed to be the MC again this year. The Mayor will be on hand to proclaim the month followed by a short, one man play by Concrete Catalyst Theatre called “Routes” which explores the impact of violence through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy living in Mill Woods.
The theme – My Voice Is Our Voice … was chosen because youth want their voices to be included and to be heard. Here is what some youth have had to say about family violence.
“The most important thing is to assure them constantly that it’s not their fault” (Female, 15)
“I will remember that I am worth something in this world, no matter how many times I’ve been stomped on or degraded.” (Female, 13)
“I want to make a difference in the community of every city. I would let people know about what happens in this world” (Male, 17)
Family Violence affects youth – that is the message that we want to be heard.
Family Violence is an issue in all of our communities. The City of Edmonton actively raises awareness about family violence and provides direct service to the citizens of Edmonton through the following programs: Last year the Assessment and Short Term Counselling service received calls from the citizens of Edmonton and approximately 1000 of those are family violence related; The Elder Abuse Intervention Team had approximately 600 requests for consultation and direct service and the Domestic Violence Intervention Teams had approximately 1000 high risk family violence files this last year.
Family Violence Prevention Month provides the opportunity to highlight the work that the Edmonton community is doing in the area of family violence prevention. Everyone is welcome to attend the launch on November 1st. Come and see displays of artwork and photography and agencies working in the area of family violence prevention.