On Saturday, November 1, 2014 the YWCA Marketing & Communications team was at South Centre Mall with other agencies that comprise the communications arm of the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective (CDVC) to kick off Family Violence Prevention Month.
Each year since 1986 in the town of Hinton Alberta, individuals, social service agencies and political supporters have banded together to break the silence around family violence and abuse. The goal of the kick off and month long communications efforts is to help the community become more aware of the issue of family violence and abuse as well as the options available for those struggling as well as those who want to help.
Barb Higgins emceed the event this weekend and brought her usual positive energy to what is always a difficult subject. “While Alberta is known for many wonderful things, it is also known as one of the leading provinces in the rates of domestic violence.” Barb shared at the outset of the speeches. “In Calgary alone, the police service responds to more than 16,500 domestic conflict calls each year. Just one is too many. By working together we can end violence in our community.”
The presentations included Brigitte Baradoy, Co-chair of CDVC; Desmond Biss, a social advocate creating awareness for male survivors of sexual violence; and Sergeant Brent Hutt, with his therapy dog partner Hawk, of the Calgary Police Service.
The mood remained upbeat despite the challenging material and often uncomfortable aspect of speaking openly in a public location about family violence and abuse. Desmond discussed the need for more awareness and advocacy while Sgt. Hutt amazed and entertained all with the realities of his work with the police service and the great value Hawk brings to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event.
Hawk of course was the highlight of the afternoon for adults and children alike. From the moment he and Sgt. Hutt arrived, Hawk, Calgary’s first trauma dog, pulled onlookers towards him. While Hawk is an automatic favorite, it soon become clear that Sgt. Hutt was equally engaging and able to put children quickly at ease, even stealing attention from his handsome partner while making great strides in helping children see that police officers are people you want to talk to.
Our CEO, Sue Tomney, also made fast friends with both Hawk and Sgt. Hutt.
Thank you to all YWCA Ambassadors who came out for the event, including our own Board Chair Patty Macleod, and her two daughters. Together we can help break the silence and end the violence in our community.
