November is Family Violence Prevention Month 

Family Violence Prevention Month started in 1986 as a local initiative right here in Hinton, Alberta, where concerned residents launched a family violence education and prevention campaign. This year marks the 39th anniversary of Family Violence Prevention Month. You can see what The Hinton Society for the Prevention of Family Violence did 39 years ago.

This grassroots effort inspired the Alberta Legislature to support family violence prevention as an ongoing provincial initiative, resulting in the creation of Family Violence Prevention Month. Today, hundreds of Alberta communities and thousands of individuals are actively involved in preventing family violence by providing public education and services.

The Town of Hinton recognizes the importance of partnering with community agencies to continue the work that began in Hinton 39 years ago. The West Yellowhead Regional Family Violence & Sexual Assault Network developed the “Supporting Individuals Experiencing Family Violence in our Community” toolkit that can be accessed by anyone experiencing family violence or looking for information on how to best support someone in a family violence situation. Hinton Family Violence Community Toolkit

Alberta has the third-highest domestic violence rate in all of Canada, and the rate of police-reported intimate partner violence against women in urban areas of Alberta is 535 incidents per 100,000 population. This is higher than the national average of 461 incidents per 100,000 population (Statistics Canada, 2022). 

In Alberta, 74% report that they personally know at least one woman who has been sexually or physically assaulted. This figure does not factor in the countless women who do not tell anyone about the assault(s), nor does it factor in any other type of abuse besides physical and sexualized violence. (Canadian Women’s Foundation “Angus Reid Omnibus Survey”, 2012). 

Purple is the colour that symbolizes the movement to end all forms of family violence. In recognition of Family Violence Prevention Month, the West Fraser Guild and the Green Square Visitor Information Centre will shine bright in purple throughout November. Everyone is encouraged to wear all things purple on Friday, November 14, as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honour and personal dedication to family violence awareness. View the month's events on the Town of Hinton Events Calendar.  

Everyone needs to be part of the solution to stop family violence. Take action. Learn about Family Violence. Be a positive Role Model. Speak about Family Violence. Offer time and resources.  

You can find out more information about family violence by accessing and sharing resources available from the Government of Alberta at https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-prevention-month.aspx 

Family Violence affects people of all age demographics, from children to older adults. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, call 911 if there is immediate danger.  

The Family Violence Helpline is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 310-1818 from anywhere in Alberta, or by contacting any of the partnering agencies listed in the Hinton Family Violence community toolkit.