Two detachments of the RCMP in the Cowichan Valley are launching a campaign against domestic violence.
In recognition of the fact that domestic violence is the leading type of violence experienced by women, the North Cowichan/Duncan and Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachments have announced they are beginning the “Neighbours, Friends & Families” campaign in the area.
A press release from the RCMP said that the campaign is intended to foster community organizing on the issue and will provide local communities with useful information and effective strategies to help prevent relationship violence.
“Each of us can take steps to help eradicate relationship violence from our community,” the release said.
It said the campaign will help participants recognize the warning signs of relationship violence, support women and other members of the community who are impacted by relationship violence, and locate supportive resources in the community.
The release said that in 2018 in North Cowichan/Duncan, there were 935 domestic violence related incidents reported to the RCMP, and 299 of those incidents involved physical violence.
Of those, 195 of the victims from all incidents were female, while 78 were male, and 118 victims from all incidents were Indigenous while 155 were non-Indigenous.
The campaign’s workshops will take place in four locations in the coming weeks:
• Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St, Duncan.
• Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mill Bay Community Hall, 1001 Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay.
• Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Lake Cowichan Senior’s Centre, 55 Coronation Street, Lake Cowichan.
• Jan. 9 at 11 a.m .at the Healthiest Babies program, Aboriginal House of Friendship, 5462 Trans-Canada Hwy., Duncan.
More information can be found at www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca.