IMPACT Grande Prairie, a coalition of service providers committed to eradicating family violence in Alberta’s Northwest, is reminding everyone that November is Family Violence Prevention Month.  

They say that Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces even though family violence is preventable.  

Family Violence Prevention Month is intended to “increase awareness of the resources and supports available so we can work together to end family violence and build healthier relationships in our communities.” 

The month was launched with proclamations made on Nov. 1 by Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given, County of Grande Prairie Reeve Leanne Beaupre and Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard. The proclamations were posted on the IMPACT Grande Prairie Facebook page.

In his proclamation, Mayor Given said, “I call upon all citizens to recognize family violence for the serious social and criminal problem that it is. We call upon each of you to make a difference by taking the time to get involved and to encourage your neighbours to help make our province violence free in 2020 and beyond.” 

There are a few events taking place this month. One is the Cars for Christmas Lottery, Nov. 9-13 in the Prairie Mall. This is a partnering fundraiser, and IMPACT team leaders and volunteers will be on site raising awareness and selling tickets. Anyone who wants to volunteer can call 780-402-5595 or email prevention@odysseyhouse.ca. 

The Take Back the Night March happens at 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 starting at Revolution Place. It’s intended to raise awareness and bring attention to Family Violence Prevention in our Community. People are invited to bring their signs and wear purple clothes, ribbons and masks. For more details, visit the Facebook event page. 

Nov. 23 is the #Gopurple social media event online. To participate, wear purple in support of the cause, take a selfie or group picture, post on social media, and tag with #GoPurpleGP and #FamilyViolencePreventionMonth. All businesses that enter go into a draw for one of two $25 Tim Hortons gift cards. 

There are several organizations in Grande Prairie that support victims of family violence: Victim Services/Family Violence Unit, Pace, The Caribou Child and Youth Centre, John Howard Society of Grande Prairie, Odyssey House and Grande Prairie RCMP. 

IMPACT Grande Prairie reminds everyone, if you or someone you know is experiencing family violence: 

  • Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger 
  • Call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to get help anonymously 
  • Call the Odyssey House 24 Hour Crisis Line 780-532-2672 
  • Call Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence 1-866-403-8000 

For more information about Family Violence Prevention Month and the events happening, follow the IMPACT Grande Prairie Facebook page.