Similkameen residents are invited to meet with local service providers and to hear about the programs and resources in our area that provide services to victims and work to prevent violence in our homes and communities. SESS houses this two-hour event on Thursday, April 28, beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. The School’s main entrance is located at 830 2nd Avenue in Keremeos.
Two brief films, a panel of presenters, and time for questions and discussion with individual resource persons comprise the agenda. Presenters include RCMP Sgt. Greg Dickie, Victim Services and PVPP Coordinator Ron Shonk, Stop the Violence Women’s Counselor Anda Brockhoff, Children Who Witness Abuse Counselor Dave Cursons, Family support Program Coordinator Sherry Dalziel, and Child and Youth Mental Health Counselor Staci Friesen. Excepting RCMP, all of these resources are part of the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society. Information on transition houses, Safe Homes, and Mental health and addictions counseling will also be available. Refreshments will be served.
Men who are concerned about the health and safety of the women in their lives – their mothers, wives, daughters, friends, and girlfriends – will find this event especially relevant. So will women of all ages. Content is appropriate for secondary school-age persons and older, as well as for younger persons accompanied by caring adults. Awareness of these issues and of their related resources are important to everyone, for everyone – at some time and in some way, sad but true – has been or will be affected by them. And everyone can play a part in prevention.
The event is part of a month-long focus that includes National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (April 10-16), Prevention of Violence Against Women Week (April 17-23), and BC Victims of Crime Awareness Week (April 24-30).
- Ron Shonk