Calgary and Area Women's Shelters kick off Family Violence Prevention Month

Eleven Calgary and area Women's Shelters gathered at Eau Claire Market to kick off Family Violence Prevention Month and celebrate the women, children, youth and men who are striving to lead lives free of family violence and abuse.
"Family Violence Prevention Month celebrates those who are working to end the abuse they are experiencing and the family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues who get involved and support those they know are living with or are impacted by abuse," said Brigitte Baradoy, chair of the Calgary and Area Women's Shelter Network. "It also recognizes the Calgarians who support the organizations that are working hard to end family violence and abuse by volunteering or making a financial donation."
Joining the eleven Women's Shelters at the kick off event were Deputy Mayor Brian Pincott, Deputy Chief Murray Stooke, Calgary Police Service, Devin Hao, a student from Henry Wisewood School who organized a social action project to raise money for the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter and Marvie Giordano, Women's Emergency Shelter client – all of whom attended the event to take a stand against family violence and abuse and encourage Calgarians to do the same.
"In 2010, Calgary Police Service responded to more than 16,000 domestic violence calls," said Deputy Chief Murray Stooke. "This is a community issue that affects us all. Whether it's your family, friends or co-workers, educating ourselves is the first step to ending family violence in our communities."
Family violence comes in all shapes and sizes, including physical, verbal, emotional, financial and psychological actions and threats against another person – man, woman or child. Sixty-two per cent of people in Calgary and area have experienced family violence and abuse directly or know someone who has, yet 42% don't seek help.
To take a stand against family violence, visit www.gethelpgivehelp.ca. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence and abuse, or if you would like to volunteer or give financial support, please contact one of the Calgary and Area Women's Shelter Network partners:


The Calgary and Area Women's Shelter Network is a partnership of 11 Women's Shelters committed to sharing resources, information and insights to help end family violence and abuse in our community. Members include the Awo Taan Healing Lodge, The Brenda Strafford Society, The Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, Discovery House, Eagle's Nest Stoney Family Shelter, Kerby Centre Seniors' Shelter, Rowan House, Sonshine Community Services, Wheatland Shelter, YWCA of Banff and YWCA Sheriff King Home.