As November winds down and December and the big holiday season arrive, it’s easy for people to get caught up in the bright, cheery, festive aspect of everything that’s taking place.
Everywhere, it seems, festive decorations are going up, family plans are being made to celebrate the season, Christmas carols are in the air, special purchases are being made, all manner of entertainment events are on tap at a multitude of venues, anticipation of the big guy’s arrival begins to grow…
But, also as November winds down, and with it Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta, there is news that, behind the bright facade of the holiday season, is a darkness that is both disappointing and unsettling.
Last week, the Bow Valley Victim Services Association was before Banff council to report a 21 per cent jump in its caseload – and request a minimal increase of $750 in funding to $21,750. Shelling out a few more dollars for a group that does a lot of good in the Valley should be a no-brainer, as it should be with all other Valley municipalities that benefit from BVVSA efforts.
Now, a 21 per cent increase in cases is one thing – the positive upside being the group helped 603 individuals in 319 different incidents.
When you realize that BVVSA deals with all manner of difficult situations, from sudden deaths to motor vehicle crash victims to suicide-related incidents and robbery victims, an increase such as this is possibly not unreasonable given that accidents can, and do, happen. Further, sudden, tragic events do occur without warning.
But when it comes to dealing with alarming numbers of victims of violence (women, let’s face it), it’s unsettling.
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen hit the nail on the head when she said she (along with many others), believes Valley residents live in a postcard. For the most part, of course, that’s absolutely true. But it’s not true for everyone.
Valley-wide, BVVSA dealt with 24 people involved with sexual assaults. The group also deals with situations of domestic violence, as does the Banff YWCA; where women and children often desperately require the Y’s shelter.
Unfortunately, this means that perpetrators of domestic violence (men, let’s face it) just aren’t getting the message. It’s just as well that local schools have anti-bullying messages incorporated into teachings; it’s best to nip the problem in the bud, at young ages, before the situation progesses to adulthood. Domestic violence is bullying.
Because men continue to abuse – physically, emotionally and mentally – women who sometimes have little or no friend and family support, or who, for whatever reason (finances, education…), cannot step away from an abusive relationship, the value of groups like BVVSA and the YWCA cannot be underestimated.
Men – man up, already. Let’s see statistics in relation to domestic violence and assaults, etc. decrease in the future.
On a somewhat brighter side, though, let’s all remember that charitable and fundraising groups are swinging into action for the holiday season. Not everyone in this Valley has the financial means to ensure a happy holiday, so when these groups present themselves, have a thought for those less fortunate and donate food or toys, or contribute silent auction items, or purchase silent auction items or volunteer to lend a hand.
