KAMLOOPS — Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
It’s a global call for people to take a stand against all forms of violence on a daily basis.
In Kamloops, many women experiencing violence will access services at the YWCA Women’s Shelter.
General Manager for Violence Against Intervention and Support Services Michele Walker says there are many more who choose not to report the violence they are experiencing.
“We know that there’s only a portion of violence that’s reported to police, or to authorities,” Walker said, “and we see a number of women, both through our services and with other community services that have not reported that violence that they’re experiencing in their lives. So, we know that the issue of violence in Canada is actually much greater than what our statistics show.”
Approximately every six days, a woman is killed by her intimate partner in Canada.
But, violence can take many forms beyond just physical.
Anyone experiencing any form of abuse is encouraged to reach out for help.
“Whether that’s with family, with friends who are supportive of you, whether that’s reaching out to the women’s shelter, giving us a call, talking to us about what services we have available for them,” Walker said.
“Family members and friends can do the same. Educate yourself about what violence against women is and how your information, your experience, your education can really help women and children in need in the community.”
