Domestic violence

So recently it was International Women's Day, and in light of that I have a question for all Calgarians. Ok, for everyone out there, but specifically for Calgarians.

How many abused women and victims of domestic violence did you speak to on that day? Now how many of you answered "None." ? Chances are you did talk to at least one, you just didn't know it. Domestic violence is one of the most silent epidemics in the province.
While not all victims of domestic violence are women, the vast majority are and they could be anyone. It could happen to your sister, your neighbour, the girl you work with or that quiet woman you saw on the bus. It is no respecter of race, class, colour, creed or income.

Alberta has the highest provincial rate of domestic violence in Canada. According to the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, last fiscal year they took on 6,156 women and 5,285 children to their 42 shelters - women and children who were in imminent danger of further assault or even homicide. They also had to turn away another 10,364 women and 6,747 children for a lack of space and/or funding.

Because of the silence that surrounds domestic violence and the fear of it's victims, few realize that there is even a problem until desperation drives a woman to seek help from somewhere such as the ACWS. Last fiscal year they fielded 35,000 calls to their crisis lines. The silence of those around who pretend not to see or don't want to see is the abuser's biggest safety net. It's long past time we ended that silence and held them accountable.

How many victims of domestic violence did I speak to on that day? On that one day I spoke to my step sister, a survivor of domestic abuse, and to my best friend, another survivor. If she were still alive I would have spoken to my mother since she was another victim, one who the laws where she lived could not protect. Online I spoke to more who are survivors. It's happened to my family, to people I know, chances are it has happened and is happening now, to people you know too.

So, let me ask you again - On International Women's Day, on any particular day, how many victims of Domestic Violence did you speak to? Probably more than you think. Time to break the silence.