The Bonnyville Community Outreach Office for the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) and Bonnyville and District FCSS kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on a positive note with their annual Walk For Peace.
The local non-profit organizations invited residents to march in solidarity with signs held high on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Bonnyville Native Friendship Centre.
Attendees watched a quick video illustrating the everyday struggles of those who suffer from domestic violence, before taking to main street in Bonnyville.
“This is important for the community because this is a problem that hits people in the Lakeland hard, sometimes harder than people realize. This is a good way to bring community members together, and to help them gain more knowledge on the subject,” detailed Brenda Parsons, Bonnyville community support worker with FCSS.
Instead of focusing on the negatives, they wanted to start the conversation on a positive note, spreading the message of peace, love, and kindness. They hope this will encourage residents who may be apprehensive to reach out for the help they need.
“Domestic violence is an issue that nobody wants to talk about. It often gets swept under the carpet. By focusing on what we want from healthy relationships, it sends a more positive message about coming forward with domestic violence issues,” said Parsons.
The walk is the first of several events the outreach office and FCSS have planned to get the message out throughout the month. The organization will also participate in the Cold Lake Walk to Remember being held by Cold Lake FCSS and the DMSCC.
They will travel from school to school sharing their message and educating local youth on the topic. Towards the end of the month, they plan to hold a community supper, where they will display stories of hope written by those who were able to overcome domestic violence.
“This is a community issue that needs to be talked about more often. I think it's being spoken about more recently, but it needs to be even more in the spotlight right now. We want to show people it's okay to say there is something wrong in my relationship and I need help,” explained Parsons.
The groups hope to take full advantage of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They'll look to get the entire community involved in the conversation, and they believe the further their reach extends, the more people will speak out on an issue that can effect anybody.
“Awareness is the biggest word here, we need to make people aware that this can happen to anybody. Regardless of status, gender, race, or income, it's out there, and it effects the entire community,” stated Bonnyville community support worker Lil Cardinal.
