Two experts want Calgarians to show support for domestic abuse victims
Posted May 26, 2016 1:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Two University of Calgary scholars want Calgarains to join the conversation in preventing domestic violence and bullying in the workplace.
Sandy Herschcovis and Lana Wells will be speaking about the “witness factor” and the important role friends and family play in stopping the violence at a talk in Calgary.
This comes after a man allegedly shot and killed his common law wife in Pineridge earlier this week in what police are calling a domestic issue.
Lana Wells has been researching the topic for years and says victims tend to tell family and friends rather than report abuse to police.
“Your reaction and your response to the victim is really really important that you don’t blame or shame that you let her know it’s not her fault and that you understand the resources available in the community that you can help connect her to,” Wells said.
She says one of the reasons people may stay in an abusive relationship is financial stress.
“There are cultural and traditional expectations that we remain in our relationships at all costs, and so I think as a society we need to be really reflecting on how do we support and build healthy relationship skills and that’s really where the prevention agenda comes in.” Wells said.
Sandy Herschcovis and Lana Wells are speaking at the Central Library at 7:00pm on Thursday.
