Province launches #SaySomething campaign to stop domestic violence

The province along with RCMP officers, firefighters and Simon Fraser University are joining forces today to launch a new campaign aimed at getting British Columbians to unite against domestic violence.

A new radio and social media campaign, #SaySomething was launched this morning in Surrey by the Minister of Children and Family Stephanie Cadieux that aims to end the silence by encouraging British Columbians to speak up and safely get help. The anti-violence campaign comes as part of the lead-up to International Women’s Day on March 8.

In 2013, there were 12,359 police-reported victims of domestic violence however research suggests this may represent less than 25 per cent of the total number since the majority of the crimes go unreported.

Numbers released in the press conference this morning indicated that from 2004 to 2014 more than 110 women lost their lives to domestic violence; which is an average of 10 women each year. And research suggests one in four women — or fewer — actually report the incident to police.

The campaign is a call to action and seeks not only to raise awareness but also provide practical advice and strategies on how and when to seek help.

#SaySomething is intended to work in concert with existing awareness initiatives like Be More Than a Bystander, the Moose Hide campaign and B.C.’s Toughest Man.