Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month

October 30, 2015 · 0 Comments

This November is National Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month and the Canada Safety Council is urging all Canadians to be vigilant allies in the efforts to put a stop to domestic violence.
Abuse can take on many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological elements. Know the signs of abuse, which can include but are not limited to physical marks such as bruises, cuts and scrapes. Changes in behaviour such as anxiety, fear or low self-esteem, and in the case of spousal abuse, heightened dependency on the abuser and a need for the abused to make frequent check-ins with their partner.
Abuse is often not immediately recognized even by the victim. Especially in the case of spousal abuse, the victim may incorrectly assume the blame or reconcile out of fear or a hope that it won’t happen again. As a result, a lot of instances of abuse go unreported which only serves to obscure the statistics and numbers associated with it.
Abuse can happen to anyone. A brother, sister, father, mother child or an adult – there is not a stereotypical abuser or victim. To be part of the solution and follow these tips;
• If you are the victim call the police in an emergency. They are there to help you. Tell someone you trust. They will be able to help you get the help you need if you find yourself unable to do so. Don’t blame yourself for abusive behaviour from a family member. A common trait in abusers is shifting the blame toward the abused. Don’t believe that you are at fault for being on the receiving end of the aggressor’s actions.
• If you are the Abuser, take responsibility for your actions and get help. If you recognize a pattern of abusive behaviour in yourself, it’s not too late to seek counselling and correct it.
If you suspect a friend or someone you know is the victim of abuse, listen to them and offer them support. Let them know that they are not alone and encourage them to take steps to put an end to the abuse. In case of an emergency or of an abusive situation unfolding in front of you do not attempt to intervene directly. Call the police.

By Michelle Janzen