Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Raising Awareness in the Broader Community

Program Name:

Purple Ribbon Campaign, Family Violence Prevention Program

Organization/Community:

Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre

Location:

Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

Website:

www.cambridgebay.ca/wellness/wellness.html

Goals and Objectives:

To increase awareness and community responsiveness to violence against women and children.

Target Group Description:

Women and children escaping violence

Program Description:

The program offers one to one counselling to women and men who are victims of violence. The program works with local schools on drama therapy, anti-bullying workshops and family violence prevention awareness. There is a monthly ladies night, men's night and family night which focus on educating the community about family life, personal boundaries and building healthy relationships. The program works with members of the community who wish to offer their homes as safe places for people in crisis to go to in times of need. These homes are marked by a purple ribbon situated clearly in the front window so those seeking shelter can readily find it. The program offers training to those community members who wish to offer their homes up as shelter to those in need.

Program Successes/Impact:

Some families have volunteered their own homes as places women and children can go to find immediate shelter if needed.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Changing the long standing community attitude that silently accepting abuse is socially and culturally acceptable.

Program in operation since:

2011.

Program:

Ongoing.