FOR IMMIDATE RELEASE
November 27, 2020
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence has begun in our Province; This is a challenging time during Covid-19 to be an anti-violence advocate, given the acceptance of, and recent escalation of, all forms of violence against the most marginalized people in our society, including our family members, friends, and neighbors who are women and girls, seniors, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous people, Muslims, immigrants and refugees, and people living with disabilities.
Most survivors who seek our support identify within these groups, and we refer to this as the “intersectionality” of our work to end violence,
“Through an awareness of intersectionality, we can better acknowledge and ground the differences among us.”-Val Barter “It is not enough that we identify and respond to the physical, emotional, financial and/or sexual abuse victims experienced; to be present with the whole person, we must advocate for that person’s dignity and rights in all realms. “
Executive Director, Valerie Barter
One of our goals at VP-AE is to build the capacity of our existing prevention work and explore new avenues to engage with the community around these and other issues. In addition to promoting healthy relationships, we must show up and advocate for peace and equality in all settings. We must call for equity in the distribution of resources.
“We must work toward a vision of a future where our community is healthy, vibrant and free of all forms of violence. It will take all of us to make this happen.”
Executive Director, Valerie Barter
During the 16 Days of Activism, starting on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and running to December 10th Human Rights Day, we are delighted that the Town of Conception Bay South will light the annual Purple Tree, Sunday December 6th 2020 located outside the RNC office, located in the old town hall at 106 Conception Bay Highway.
“The purple tree in our community of CBS is lit to bring awareness of Domestic and Relationship Violence. It is to remind us of how prevalent this is in society and what changes need to be made. We are the parents of Juliane Hibbs who was murdered in CBS 7 years ago along with her fiancé Vincent Dillon. This tree is in their memory and that of all young girls, women and men who have been murdered because of Domestic and Relationship Violence. We all have a part to play. Maybe you know someone who is suffering violence in their lives, maybe you can reach out to them, maybe you can make a difference in their lives.”
Philip and Debbie Hibbs
Media Contact:
Val Barter, Executive Director
Violence Prevention-Avalon East