In an effort to increase awareness around family violence, Lethbridge City Council today formally recognized November as Family Violence Prevention Month.
Acting Mayor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel brought forward the motion to her colleagues today to highlight the cause.
"We know that awareness and education are key to helping people understand what violence in the home can look like," says Schmidt-Rempel. "We know Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces. By taking this step to formally recognize Family Violence Prevention Month, we're helping to enhance the conversation in our own community and highlight the resources available for our community."
The province has recognized November as Family Violence Prevention Month for a number of years and Mayor Blaine Hyggen says it's an important step towards community safety.
"When we think about community safety, it's not just about safety outside our homes, it's also about what's happening behind closed doors," says Hyggen. "Awareness is key in helping people to understand how we can recognize it in their own homes and in others."
The following organizations can provide support to those in need:
| RCMP – 403-329-5080 | YWCA Harbour House – 403-320-1881 |
| Lethbridge Corridor Victim Services – 403-393-8107 | Safe Haven Women's Shelter, Taber area – 403-223-0483 |
Alberta Sexual Assault Services One Line – 1-866-403-8000 | Native Women's Transition Home – 403-329-8506 |
Pincher Creek Women's Shelter – 1-888-354-4868 | Lethbridge Police Services – 403-327-2210 |
| LPS Victim/Witness Services – 403-330-5176 | Canadian Mental Health Distress Line – 403-327-7905 |
| Family Violence Hotline – 403-310-1818 | Kids Help Phone – 1800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868 |
| Lethbridge Family Services Counselling – 403-327-5724 |
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Click here for a list of resources and tools to help start a conversation about family violence prevention.
