The Fort St John RCMP and the Fort St John Women’s Resource Society have partnered together to bring the Purple Light Nights Intimate Partner Awareness Campaign to Fort St John for the month of October.
“80% of intimate partner violence is not reported to police and it is usually experienced between 17 and 34 times before it is reported, which is a tragedy and needs to change”, said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Fort St John RCMP spokesperson for Purple Light Nights FSJ. “Intimate partner violence is a crime that happens behind closed doors and is not talked about. This campaign is an effort to change that.”
The Purple Light Nights Campaign exists to do just that by honoring those who have lost their lives through domestic violence, support the survivors and to give hope to those still living with abuse.
“We are glad to see the acknowledgement of intimate partner violence in Fort St John through the Purple Light Nights Campaign”, said Amanda Trotter, Executive Director of the Fort St John Women’s Resource Society. “Intimate partner violence has a devastating effect on individuals, families and the long-term development of children in our community.”
The local Fort St John Purple Light Nights campaign is kicking off on Wednesday, October 1 at Centennial Park located at 9415 100th Street, and the community is invited to attend.
Organizers are inviting the public to come get a burger at 5:30pm, speak with organizers and supporting agencies about available resources and then stay for the kick off program at 6pm.
Everyone can support the Purple Light Nights Campaign by wearing purple and displaying purple lights at their home, their school, and at their work or business throughout the month of October.
For more information follow Purple Light Nights Fort St John on Facebook.