The City of Edmonton is working with 18 leaders and employers to end gender-based violence and sexual assaults in the city.
“Today, we have gained integral partners that have committed to becoming allies by educating themselves and others on the root causes, signs and symptoms of gender-based violence,” Mayor Don Iveson said.
Participants signed a pledge to formally show their commitment to ending gender-based violence. The groups involved will also work with Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Council Initiative staff to identify ways they can prevent and address this issue.
“Edmontonians of every gender have the right to live free from violence,” the initiative’s co-lead, Coun. Scott McKeen, said. “It’s time for all of us to take notice, speak and act on this issue.”
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A ceremony at City Hall also marked the start of the new It’s Time campaign. It will encourage Edmontonians, especially young men and boys, to become allies in ending gender-based violence and sexual assaults.
“Men and boys are part of the solution,” Coun. Bev Esslinger said.
“The campaign looks to these audiences in particular to start changing the conversations, stereotypes and ultimately the actions to ensure all genders are treated equally and free of violence.”
November has been proclaimed Family Violence Prevention Month in Edmonton.
It’s the 30th year the province has marked Family Violence Prevention Month.
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“The physical, emotional and mental impacts of violence, on families and communities throughout Alberta, cannot be overstated,” Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir said. “No one should live in fear for their life and safety, nor suffer alone as a survivor. We will continue to work with community partners to take strong action on prevention efforts, and provide critical supports to survivors of family violence.”
Find information and resources by calling the 24-hour Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free, or visit endfamilyviolence.albert.ca.
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