Great Cause

This happens too frequently and we need to support groups that deal with this issue. We also need to invest more into programs to help victims of abuse.

Eliminating violence is everyone’s business
NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer-SUMMERSIDE
Family violence is everyone’s business. It’s a message police Chief Dave Poirier wanted those attending Wednesday’s annual Family Violence Prevention Week luncheon to take with them. “We cannot, and must not, shut the door on the home and say it’s not our business.” Poirier, a 31-year veteran of Summerside’s police force, was guest speaker at the luncheon, held by East Prince Family Violence Prevention Services. He said several strides have been made in protecting victims of family violence, notably the introduction in 1996 of P.E.I.’s Family Violence Protection Act. The act does what the Criminal Code can’t, immediately securing safety of the victim by allowing emergency protection orders to be put in place with the victim’s consent. This can be done when police are called to a home, long before the alleged abuser goes to court. The short-term order can give a victim temporary custody of children and possession of the family home. It can also ensure the abuser hands over things like car keys and medical cards and keeps paying household bills. “That has greatly impacted victims of family violence,” said Poirier.Since the act’s introduction, more than 500 of these orders have been issued.And, in the coming weeks, further changes will be made to the act to include same-sex couples. Of assault and threat charges laid by Summerside police in 2008, 25 per cent were related to family violence. “We do know that family violence is all too common. Reported numbers reflect only a small fraction of the real picture,” said Poirier, adding most incidences of family violence go unreported.The impact of family violence is far reaching.“It’s a complex issue much like a spider’s web. It spins outward and engulfs every sector of our society, snaring victims.”Children of family violence are among those who suffer the most, said Poirier. “Sadly the research suggests that boys that grow up in a home with domestic violence are more likely themselves to become abusers as adults.”But, added Poirier, everyone can do their part to end family violence by providing non-judgmental support to someone being abused, encouraging them to report the abuse to police and by simply letting them know they are not alone. “Every human being on this earth has the right to live his or her own life without fear.”