The message of the life and death of 19-year-old Maple Batalia, murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Surrey in 2011, is spreading to Hope and Agassiz schools and beyond.
Batalia’s story and the wider issue of dating violence was shared at domestic violence youth forums held in Hope and Agassiz high schools last October: these were the first of their kind in the province. Presentations are set for Chilliwack and Surrey, with the potential to extend to other communities as the interest grows.
Friends, family and a police officer heavily involved in Batalia’s case helped shed light on the issue with a focus on what friends can do if they notice things aren’t right. The forums were organized as part of Purple Light Nights, a month-long series of events and action on the issue of domestic violence.
“One of the strong messages even from the IHIT investigator, was that one of the friends of the accused, and he was charged as well, could have intervened,” said forum organizer and RCMP victim services manager Marianne Brueckert, adding the message was to notice and, if possible, take action in the case of relationship violence.
“Often victims feel too vulnerable or too alone. It’s too difficult, they don’t know where to turn to or who to turn to. If you as a friend or somebody who knows or sees things going on, don’t remain silent. You have a voice and you can make some significant changes that can hopefully prevent some tragedies that are occurring.”
Brueckert said a profound moment happened after the Agassiz talk when students felt comfortable approaching Batalia’s parents, Sarbjit and Harry Batalia.
“At one point, Harry had probably six girls around him and was telling them to not stay in relationships where you don’t have that control. Even if they’re showering you with praise and love and gifts, that’s not a place to put your energy when somebody is trying to control what you do and what you wear and who you see.”
READ MORE: Purple Light Nights—Ending the silence on domestic violence
The Batalia’s were not present for the Hope talk, instead Maple’s friend Benisha spoke there for the first time about losing her friend.
The Batalias continue to spread awareness about dating violence, more than seven years after their daughter was murdered at the hands of her jealous ex-boyfriend. They have set up two scholarships in her memory, one of which the Purple Light Nights committee from Hope donated to.
The message, of taking action and that ‘it’s not OK to keep secrets, when those secrets can become deadly,’ seemed to hit home, Brueckert said. After the forums, some teens came forward with concerns about a friend.
This also won’t be the last time the issue is discussed in Fraser-Cascade schools, Brueckert said she heard from teachers and students about the need to know more about the signs to watch for and actions that can be taken when they spot relationship violence.
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