Chilliwack RCMP are presenting a series of public information sessions surrounding domestic violence in the community, beginning next week. Area service providers will present a different topic each week, detailing the vast array of services available to ensure victims of domestic violence, including women and all vulnerable persons, have access to the services that can assist them.
One in four families is impacted by violence, regardless of culture, socio-economic conditions, faith or education, the RCMP says. Domestic violence and abuse does not discriminate, but it often escalates. It can be physical, emotional, sexual or verbal and is often used as a weapon of control and intimidation by a spouse or ex-spouse. If you or someone you know is being abused, help is available - do not wait.
The public information sessions are free of charge and will be held at Chilliwack Community Services located at 45938 Wellington Avenue in Chilliwack.
RCMP Cpl. Barb Vincent will host the sessions which run for six consecutive weeks, beginning May 9 and running each Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon until June 13.
The first public information session will feature presentations from the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Fraser Valley Children and Family Services Society.
Key topics the Fraser Valley Children and Family Services Society will cover include how intimate partner violence can impact children and become a child protection issue, how to make a report and how domestic violence calls are handled. Traditional counselors who work with families are available as well as family enhancement workers through the Fraser Valley Children and Family Services Society.
Key topics the Ministry of Children and Family Development will cover include an explanation of the assessment process when a call is made to MCF and the MCF response to domestic violence in a home when children are present. The Ministry of Children and Family Development will also discuss the referral system from their agency to area service providers and the transfer of cases to the Fraser Valley Children and Family Services Society.
Presenters for the following five weeks include Ann Davis Transition Society, Ann Davis Transition House, Xolhemet Society, Chilliwack Community Services, Mennonite Central Committee, RCMP and RCMP Victim Services.
For more information, contact Cpl. Barb Vincent of the Chilliwack RCMP @ (604) 702-4001.