Northern Society for Domestic Peace (NSDP) was outside Bugwood Bean today (Wednesday) to raise awareness about Prevention of Violence Against Women Week.
The event is celebrated across North America and helps to raise awareness around the impacts and supports for women who’ve experienced violence.
“It’s just a great opportunity for people to come out and maybe grab a coffee and a cupcake and learn a little bit about anti-violence work and addressing violence in our communities,” said Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Arika Owen.
According to a graphic shown at the event, about 51 per cent of women over the age of 15 will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Only 30 per cent of that population will report violence.
“Just like any community, it’s still a pressing issue. If anything, I think COVID made it a little bit more prevalent,” said Owen.
“It doesn’t get talked about enough, it doesn’t get addressed enough, and it impacts our communities in so many ways.”
She added northern and rural communities are especially impacted due to having fewer resources and being removed from the larger centres.
“We really have to look out for each other and be aware that when violence is happening in home, when violence is happening to women, when children are experiencing violence, it impacts all of us as a community,” Owen said.
April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month and more information about the services NSDP offers can be found on their website.