The Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign is offering Caring Communities – Imagine a World Without Violence on May 4 from 7 to 9pm.
There will be a panel discussion on how to support women who are experiencing abuse, at Taylor Evans Public School, 271 Stephanie Drive.
Neighbours, Friends and Families is a community-based initiative designed to give people tools to recognize woman abuse and how to be supportive if a neighbor, friend, or family member is experiencing abuse.
It is a difficult situation. Many people know a friend who is experiencing abuse but don’t know what to do about it.
“I knew that the abuse was happening but lacked the knowledge of what to do about it,” said Deb Ashbee, a friend of Sandra Schott, who was murdered by her husband in 2005. “This program comes too late to help me and my friend but it is my hope that others can gain the knowledge and confidence of what steps to take if they find themselves in a similar situation.”
Learn about two different people’s stories: Kim, a survivor of violence, and Ashbee, who lost her best friend. Other speakers are from the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre of the Guelph General Hospital, a Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis employee, and a Guelph Police officer.
The event is presented by the Parkwood Gardens and West Willow Woods Neighbourhood Groups and the Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign of Guelph-Wellington.
“This event is important for every community member. Even if you are not currently supporting an at-risk woman, learning the warning signs early is like learning first aid. You don’t think that you need the skills but they could end up being useful” said, Erin Crickett, the Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign Coordinator Guelph-Wellington.
The Ontario domestic violence death review committee found that in every case of a death as a result of woman abuse reviewed between 2002-2006, family members, neighbours, or professionals had some knowledge of the escalating circumstance between perpetrators and victims.
Everyone is invited to the free event. Free childcare and refreshments will be provided.
For more information about warning signs and risk factors, visit the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign website at www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca.
