The Town of Cochrane and partners have created resources for those affected by domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is an issue that exists in every community, despite demographics, despite income and despite the different kinds of diversity. It is an issue that impacts every community,” said Annemarie Tocher, co-ordinator of the Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre.
Knowing it is a difficult issue to talk about and get help for, the town program partnered with other local organizations to create resources for those in need.
Currently there are three different ways individuals affected by domestic violence can access resources in town.
The resource centre is a place for men or women who are unsure if what is happening in the relationship is abuse, or if a person is unsure of where to get help.
“We are the resource for those conversations,” Tocher said.
The Resource Centre is in the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) building located at 209 2 Ave W. You can call 403-851-2250.
This a resource available for people who are victims of a crime, especially partners who have been affected by domestic violence. The services are free and confidential – and staff can help a person deal with their feelings after a crime, by giving support, reassurance and resources.
The office is located at 359 1 St. E, or you can call 403-851-8055.
There is also a website at cochranevictimservices.com
This was another suggestion by Tocher as an option for a resource for people struggling in their relationships. Services provided by this organization include assessment and treatment services for mental health, including a mental health walk-in service.
The office is located at 60 Grande Boulevard, or you can call 403-851-6100.
“We recognize that domestic violence in most cases, in most incidents or situations does not come to police attention,” Tocher said.
“But we want to create a broad-based community co-ordinated response that includes raising awareness and education in our community, as well as counseling services that are accessible to adults and children right across the spectrum about domestic violence.
“We are excited about building connections with our community’s stakeholders, other ones than are at the table right now, and we are excited to explore together so we can more comprehensively meet the needs around domestic violence.”
The Town of Cochrane administration also hosts a court-mandated program called Healthy Relationships – Domestic Violence Prevention Cochrane, in partnership with a treatment committee.
The treatment committee includes Alberta Health Services: Cochrane Addictions and Mental Health, Cochrane and Area Victim Services, RCMP, Community Corrections - Cochrane, Alberta Justice: Crown Prosecutors office, Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre, and FCSS.
“Our interest is in preventing domestic violence and providing our community options to gain the skills and knowledge that we need to be healthy in our relationships,” Tocher said.
“This is what we have, and we want more available in our community and we will be working towards that in the new year. We want to create more services.”
This is Part 1 of a two-part series for November – Domestic Violence Awareness month. Next week, the Eagle speaks with Andrew Gustainis, domestic violence treatment program lead and group facilitator, about the importance of the group Healthy Relationships and an announcement about changes to the program.
Statistics from Stats Canada from 2011
According to a study from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics
- 173,600 women ages 15 and older were victim of violent crime
- The five most common violent offences committed against women were;
- common assault; 49 per cent
- uttering threats; 13 per cent
- serious assault; 10 per cent
- sexual assault level I; 7 per cent
- criminal harassment; 7 per cent
- Women were 11 times more likely than men to be a victim of sexual offences and three times as likely to be the victim of criminal harassment.
- Men were responsible for 83 per cent of police-reported violence committed against women.
- Most commonly accused;
- Intimate partner (including both spousal and dating); 45 per cent
- Acquaintances or friends; 27 per cent
- Strangers; 16 per cent
- Non-spousal family members; 12 per cent
