November is Family Violence Prevention Month

Albertans encouraged to help End the Silence, Stop the Violence

By MorinvilleNews.com Staff

Edmonton – The Alberta government is reminding Albertans that knowledge is a critical aspect in supporting the safety and well-being of children, youth and families. During November, a focus will be placed on reminding Albertans of the resources available to those experiencing family violence first hand and those who suspect someone they know may be a victim of family violence.

Anyone who believes family violence is occurring can call the Family Violence Info line at 310-1818, a 24-hour a day, seven-day-a-week hotline offering service in more than 170 languages.

“Far too many of Alberta’s children, youth and families are exposed to violence,” said Alberta’s Minister of Children and Youth Services, Yvonne Fritz, in a release Friday. This has powerful and profound consequences on their lives.”

The minister said the province was fortunate to have a number of caring community organizations dedicated to helping individuals and families live free from violence.

Supports and services available in Alberta include:

  • Emergency protection orders can order an abuser to stay away from places where the victim goes or order the abuser to leave the home so the victim can stay.
  • Shelters for women provide safe accommodation and other services for those leaving abusive relationships.
  • Eight safe visitation sites support visits between children and a non-custodial parent.
  • Co-ordinated services through the provincial family violence program include eight domestic violence courts which offer offender treatment; supervision and enforcement; and community co-ordination and victim supports.
  • Nine new outreach sites in rural and urban locations help Aboriginal and immigrant families affected by family violence to access supports and services.
  • The Integrated Threat and Risk Assessment Centre (I-TRAC), a multi-disciplinary unit, assesses threats and develops risk reduction plans for high-risk domestic violence and stalking situations.
  • Family violence touches every community across the province, transcending socio-economic status, education and abilities. To address this important and complex issue, nine Ministries are working together to help individuals and families to live safely in their homes and communities.

    For a listing Family Violence Prevention Month events happening across Alberta, information and resources, visit www.familyviolence.alberta.ca.

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