Mounties across the Northwest Territories have helped organize and support various activities and public events aimed at reducing family violence in northern communities throughout the month of November, Family Violence Awareness Month.
“Family violence is, unfortunately, still very present in our communities, but it’s preventable. We need to work together to end family violence and build heathier relationships in our communities” states Cpl. Jesse Aubin, NT RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinator.
On November 3, RCMP in Whati took the initiative to partner with groups and agencies in the hamlet to bring awareness to the issue of violence against women and children by hosting their second annual Moose Hide Campaign.
RCMP offered a presentation on the impact of violence on the individual, family and community to almost 60 people who attended.
The presentation was available in both English and Tlicho.
Police say a custom fishing lure, designed by Cpl. Brad Barbour and displaying the Moose Hide Campaign symbol and message “Stand Up Against Violence” was distributed, as well as Moose Hide Campaign pins.
Fishing lure designed by Cpl. Brad Barbour
(Photo courtesy of RCMP)
When wearing a small moose hide pin, men are engaging themselves toward a movement to end violence towards women and children, police state in a news release.
On November 14, Cst. Jenna Simms of Fort Good Hope RCMP, invited local residents to attend a presentation on family violence.
The local Family Information Liaison Coordinator for the Department of Justice was also present.
The event was well received with numerous families attending, police state.
On November 28, an information session was offered to residents, followed by an evening of games and food at the local band hall.
In Paulatuk, Cpl. Cara Streeter set up the first of a series of Parka Workshops on November 18th.
The workshop is designed as a safe place to share stories, talk about interests or struggles and bring awareness to family violence.
Participants are learning to cut and sew materials so each can bring home their own parka.
RCMP Constable Marsh works on a parka in Paulatuk
(Photo courtesy of RCMP)
RCMP also supported the Paulatuk Justice Committee who made a presentation on healthy relationships to men and women.
Many RCMP members attended a presentation in Wekweeti on November 21, organized by Cpl. Matt Tucker, Detachment Commander of Gameti RCMP.
Members from Behchoko and Yellowknife flew to the community to meet and interact with the community.
Cpl. Jesse Aubin, NT RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinator, offered an interactive presentation on violence in relationships.
In Yellowknife, on November 1, RCMP hosted a Family Fun Day at the Fieldhouse.
Over 200 people attended and received gifts, played games and enjoyed a pizza meal.
On November 6, a group of RCMP members walked in Yellowknife during the Family Violence Awareness Solidarity March, organized by the Status of Women Council of the NWT.
The walk was to create awareness, demonstrate solidarity, and to send a message to the community that family violence should not be tolerated.
On November 19, a presentation on elder abuse was given by Suzette Montreuil, Executive Director of the NWT Senior’s Society, to close to 60 RCMP officers and civilians from all over the Territory.
Cpl. Jesse Aubin, NT RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinator joins Suzette Montreuil, (left) Executive Director of the NWT Senior’s Society and Louise Elder, Executive Director of the Status of Women Council of the NWT during the November 19th Elder Abuse presentation
(Photo courtesy of RCMP)
On November 25, the Status of Women Council of the NWT hosted a luncheon at the Explorer Hotel for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Many local agencies and partners, including Yellowknife RCMP, participated and supported the event.
RCMP would like to thank their partners for supporting their initiatives on family violence prevention
For help: If you need to report domestic violence, please contact your local RCMP detachment.
You can also reach these organizations for support:
Status of Women Council of the NWT: www.statusofwomen.nt.ca/
Department of Justice Victim Services: www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/victim-services-contacts/
Alison McAteer House: 1-800-223-7775
NWT Family Violence Shelters: www.hss.gov.nt.ca/sites/hss/files/family-violence-shelters.pdf
Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
