Several Cranbrook Agencies who serve Women and Families have come together to coordinate the Clothesline Project again this year.
From April 15 to 21, communities across B.C. will observe Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, a time to focus on a crime that Statistics Canada reports one out of four women in Canada experience every year.
Summit Community Services Society, Cranbrook Women's Resource Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association – Kootenays and ANKORS wants the public to know that everyone can help prevent violence against women by being aware and more than a bystander.
Participate by painting a T-shirt, enjoying displays at local businesses and educating yourself about violence against women.
Clients at Haven Gardens, Kootenay Haven and Summit will have supplies available to represent their experience on a T-shirt in the weeks prior to the project.
If you would like to represent your experience or the experience of someone you care about, please attend the luncheon and T-shirt painting event at the Cranbrook Women's Resource Centre, Thursday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the project check out displays at local businesses: The Choice, Kootenay Roasting Company, East Kootenay Community Credit Union, Kootenay Therapy Centre, The Painted Crate, Lotus Books, Kathy's Kitchen, Max's Place, Pages Book Emporium, Corks and Caps and the College of the Rockies.
Why do we do this project? This is an opportunity for women to bear witness to their experience as part of their healing process, to educate and raise public awareness and to have our community be part of a nation-wide project. Many people underestimate the seriousness and impact of the crime.
"If more people can recognize unhealthy relationships and speak out against violence against women, we have a better chance to prevent violence against women and to hold offenders accountable," said Nancy Reid, Administrator of Women's Services, CMHA.
"Knowledge can help communities support women, youth and children who experience violence and prevent tragedies."
For more information, please contact Kootenay Haven Transition House at 250-426-4887 or Cranbrook Women's Resource Centre at 250-426-2912.