Peace begins at home.
Unfortunately, this slogan of the 2014 Purple Ribbon campaign is not always the case for women and children.
Police statistics indicate family violence continues to be a serious problem locally and elsewhere, says Comox Valley Transition Society executive director Heather Ney.
“Women need a safe and secure place after experiencing violence,” Ney told Courtenay council recently.
Last year, the Lilli House shelter was full on 243 nights. In 2012, it reached capacity on 181 nights.
On such nights, alternate placements are needed for women and children needing a roof over their heads.
Shelters such as Lilli House provide a safe place in the short-term.
But Ney said the Valley needs supportive second-stage housing for women and children fleeing abusive situations.
In the past three years, the Purple Ribbon campaign has helped raise awareness of family violence and the supports that are in place for those impacted.
The City has donated $3,500 to support this year’s campaign from April 7 to 19.
April 10 and 11 will feature Dr. Jackson Katz, an educator, author, filmmaker, social theorist and architect of the ‘bystander’ approach to gender violence prevention.
