Purple Light Nights is a volunteer initiative that originated in 2006 in America, that exists to shed light on the issue of domestic violence. The colour purple was selected in reference to soldiers who were exceptionally brave in wartime, and were awarded the Purple Cross. Purple Light Nights acknowledges how brave men and women affected by domestic violence are. A group of individuals dedicated to the Purple Light Nights cause gathered at The Reach Gallery Museum last Thursday, Oct. 11 to provide information about local resources that support those affected by domestic violence.
A list of speakers from a variety of agencies in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley were invited to summarize how their services assist and support local individuals affected by domestic violence. Each organization also had a table set up at the event, where various pamphlets of information were available. Attendees were encouraged to visit these tables and ask questions after the opening statements.
First was the Specialized Victim Assistance Program at Abbotsford Community Services. Victim services supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The majority of their referrals come from the Abbotsford Police Department (APD), but they receive many referrals from other community partners such as schools or hospitals as well. Once a victim has reported a case, they are referred because the staff at the Specialized Victim Assistance Program is properly trained to deal with such sensitive issues. Some of the many purposes of the program include sharing information about the justice system with victims, supporting them if they have to attend and testify in court, and assisting them in applying for other programs that may provide them with aid such as free counselling.
Next, Monika Verma, the executive director of SARA for Women took a moment to explain the history of the organization. SARA for Women has been in existence for 25 years. It started with a small group of women who realized there was no place for local women to go when they were fleeing abusive relationships. What was once a completely volunteer-run organization became something larger when in 1985 they came into possession of their first transition house. As the needs of the community grew, so did SARA for Women. Today they have nine facilities with a total of 81 beds to offer to those seeking help, as well as counselling and outreach services.
A detective from the APD’s Domestic Violence Unit spoke about their unique status. In RCMP services, there is often only one officer assigned to the task of domestic violence. Here, there are six dedicated individuals who work out of an office at APD. The team consists of two APD detectives, two workers from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and two Specialized Victim Services workers. The group has a weekly meeting where they discuss high-risk intimate partner relationship files, and look for a variety of factors they might need to address. They also regularly meet with victims and make sure that they are safe, and keep their abusers on watch.
Also in attendance was a representative from MCC to discuss their End Abuse program, which has been in place since 1999. After women have been in touch with the above services, the End Abuse program is there to provide safe individual and group support. They have three 10-week phases for their program, and are currently in the midst of implementing a fourth phase as well. MCC is well known for its thrift store, but it also provides many programs such as a homelessness prevention program, and a refugee sponsorship program.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s mandate revolved around responding to reports regarding children who are at risk in their own home. The families that they deal with are more complex, and need different strategies to support them. They work to heal families, so that they may stay together, should that be the step they need. It is important to them that affected children remain at home with at least one safe and healthy parent.
The organizers of the event then invited Bonnie Nicole, a local domestic abuse survivor, to share about her journey of healing. Bonnie stayed in her abusive relationship because she felt trapped, and thought she had no means of support. She never reported any of her abuse for the eight years she was with her abuser. She became affected by addiction and isolation, and was cut off from family and friends. In the end, it was her nine-year-old daughter who convinced her that she needed to leave, and find a better situation for herself and her children’s lives. Bonnie has now become a public speaker about domestic violence, and has spoken everywhere between Seattle to Edmonton. She has also become an author, and published her sexual abuse story in her book Sacred Hearts Rising, which is available on her website bonniespeaks.ca.
There is no one agency that could support all the needs of the community, which is why all these organizations often work with each other to provide support and safety for all Fraser Valley citizens affected by domestic violence. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence and needs support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these organizations for help.
Image: Fraser Valley News (2017 event)
