The RCMP is working to raise awareness of the serious issue of violence in family relationships.
February 12th to February 18th marks Family Violence Prevention Week. Violence happens every day in family settings, and victims often suffer in silence and secrecy. Hitting, punching, threats, constant put downs, controlling behaviour, taking money, and destructing property are all examples of violence.
“Why would you hurt someone you claim to love or care about? As police officers we often ask this question when we go to a home where a crime of violence has occurred,” says Sgt. Joe Taplin, Nova Scotia RCMP Community Aboriginal Diversity Policing Services. Unfortunately we continue to see violent behaviour that occurs behind closed doors. It is important that police work together with other community partners to help put an end to family violence.”
Last week, RCMP officers partnered with the Mi’Kmaq Family and Children’s Services Nova Scotia and held a series of roadside information checkpoints. Pamphlets on Family Violence were handed out in the four communities of Glooscap, Cambridge, Millbrook and Indian Brook First Nations.
Below are some other upcoming RCMP events occurring across Nova Scotia in support of Family Violence Prevention Week. Check with your local RCMP Detachment for information on events that may be occurring in your area.
On February 14th, RCMP are partnering with Halifax Regional Police to host an Information Day on family violence at St. Andrew’s Recreation Centre in Halifax from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants include members from the surrounding community, government and non-government partners including Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Adsum House, Alice Housing, Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, Halifax Refugee Clinic, and Avalon Centre.
RCMP are also supporting Mi’kmaq Family and Children’s Services Nova Scotia who are hosting Family Violence poster contests with Aboriginal youth in various First Nations communities this week. The goal is to raise awareness among youth about the impact violence can have on a family and a community. For more information on the poster contest, please check with your local First Nation Band Office.
If you or someone you know is a victim of family violence, help is available. RCMP encourage you to contact police or community support agencies across Nova Scotia who are here to help. You can also call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIP202 + your message to “CRIMES” (274637) or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash reward from $50 – $2000.
Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/rcmp-mark-family-violence-prevention-week
