An upcoming talk addresses the issue of domestic violence. (file photo/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

'Our Community, Our Violence'

Meadow Lake presentation aims to raise awareness of domestic violence

Jan 13, 2023 | 5:59 PM

An informative presentation, called “Our Community, Our Violence,” to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence is coming up in Meadow Lake.

Organized by Gateway Regional Victim Services, the event will take place at Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall at 504-3rd Ave. E. on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will follow, provided by the parish.

Rod McKendrick, interpersonal violence specialist, with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, is the keynote speaker for this free community event, offered to residents in the Meadow Lake and surrounding areas.

“The idea is to speak to how we as a community can support those who may be affected by violence and abuse, and provide them with the tools [to find help],” he said.

McKendrick hopes people will come away from the session knowing more about what resources are available in the community.

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“There is legislation out there. They can get specific protection orders, to be able to move forward, rather than stay in an unhealthy relationship,” he said.

Domestic violence impacts not only the victim, but the community as a whole.

“That’s one thing I want to speak to people about: that violence against another usually [also] affects everybody else – family and friends,” McKendrick said. “That’s why [this presentation is] called ‘Our Community, Our Violence.’ It’s not just one individual that’s affected.”

McKendrick also wants to speak to the importance of creating healthy relationships and healthy communities, rather than just focusing on the statistics of domestic violence.

“[People need to look at] what we can do to make sure that those communities stay healthy,” he said.

McKendrick also plans to address the meaning and complexities of the term “interpersonal violence.”

“What is interpersonal violence,” he said. “People think interpersonal violence is just when somebody hits somebody else. There’s more to it than that.

“I want to give everybody [tips] on some of the things to be aware of when they are with people that might be trying to look for help,” he said.

Friends and loved ones will be able to discern if there is something wrong, and then will know to ask the right questions.

Those planning to attend the presentation should RSVP in advance by email to: Kelly.Loken@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @meadowlakeNOW