The panelists included:
Lana Wells – Brenda Strafford Chair, Prevention of Domestic Violence, University of Calgary;
Lorna St. Thomas – Manager of Community Investments and Partnerships for Enbridge Pipelines;
Inspector Steve Barlow – Calgary Police Service; and Rhonda Kent – YWCA Manager, Children Exposed to Family Violence
As an organization that serves women who are struggling, the YWCA of Calgary recognizes that we cannot end family violence on our own. Everyone has a role in ending family violence – individuals, community groups, service providers and businesses.
On February 11, 2014, West Canadian Digital Imaging Inc. sponsored a YWCA of Calgary panel discussion that focused on the role of business in breaking the cycle of abuse.
Lorna St. Thomas, Manager of Community Investments and Partnerships for Enbridge Pipelines, outlined the importance of education surrounding family violence in both the community and workplace.
“The majority of Canadians who are victims do not go to support services,” Lorna said.
“They go to friends and families and neighbours and coworkers. We need everyone to understand and recognize the issue of family violence – not just service providers – on how to respond and how to refer victims to the appropriate agency. This is really critical in supporting people to make the next best decision for themselves in terms of moving into healthier relationships.”
Lorna’s words come just weeks after an arbitration ruling in favour of a Calgary woman who was repeatedly sexually assaulted at work by a male colleague.
In this case, the victim came forward with the abuse again and again and again. In every instance, she was ignored. Her concerns were brushed off. Even after she hid a camera at her work station and brought videotaped proof to her supervisors, the evidence was labelled “inconclusive.”
Many women do not come forward with family violence or sexual assault because they are afraid no one will believe them. Afraid they won’t be taken seriously. Afraid they will be blamed for the abuse, bullied, harassed or stigmatized.
Lorna said when someone comes forward with abuse, the reaction they receive will determine what they do next – if they will seek help or stay quiet.
“Coworkers need to know it’s safe for them to come forward,” Lorna said. “Supervisors, managers, Human Resources and corporate security need to take a leadership role to remove the stigma surrounding family violence.”
Lorna said Enbridge is utilizing their “ethics and conduct hotline” to provide employees with an anonymous channel for reporting harassment and abuse or if they are experiencing family violence/mental health issues.
Inspector Steve Barlow, Calgary Police Service, said employers need to open channels of communication between company leaders and staff on difficult topics like family violence.
“Education is key,” Steve said. “We need to talk about this as a society. We have a long road ahead of us and we’re still struggling with the stigma surrounding abuse.”
Steve said many times employees fear being fired for bringing personal problems into the workplace, so they do not tell their managers that they have restraining orders or have asked security to escort them to their vehicles. Steve said that if an employee makes a restraining order known to their company, the company can allow police to enact emergency protocols without incurring liability.
All of the panelists stressed the importance of making employees feel comfortable enough to forward with their issues and access help.
