Family Violence Prevention Month
November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM) in Alberta.
Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces. Please take the time this month to inform yourself of the warning signs of family violence and reach out the resources and supports available so we can work together to end family violence and build healthier relationships in our communities.
Learn #WhereToTurn
- The Family Violence Info Line (310-1818) is available toll-free to Albertans 24/7 in over 170 languages
- The Family Violence Info Line chat service is available 24/7 daily in English
- Emergency shelters throughout the province (such as Rowan House Society) provide safe locations to stay for people fleeing violent or abusive situations
- FRVS can assist you with additional information on local resources and supports
For more information, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-prevention-month
Clare’s Law
The Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act gives people who feel at risk of domestic violence a way to get information about their partners so they can make informed choices about their safety. Alberta’s version of Clare’s Law is named after a young woman killed by an ex-boyfriend with a history of violence against women.
People at risk can find out if their partner has a history of:
– domestic violence
– stalking or harassment
– breaches of no contact orders
– other relevant acts
The Right to Ask
Albertans have a right to ask for information regarding their current or former intimate partner’s potential risk for domestic violence.
The Right to Know
Police can apply, through the Right to Know process, to proactively provide relevant information to an individual if they have reason to suspect intimate partner violence is likely to occur.
Supports and Services
During the Clare’s Law process, the applicant and/or person-at-risk will be asked at various times if they want to be connected with social supports. If they do, they will be referred to an appropriate service.
For more information, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/clares-law
Call 911 in an emergency
Call 310-1818 for local supports on family violence (24/7 in over 170 languages)
Online chat: alberta.ca/safetychat available daily from 8am to 8pm
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools and to promote Every Child Matters.
Local Events:
- Town of Okotoks – Ethel Tucker Park 10 am to 12 pm. Pipe Ceremony will start at 10 a.m. followed by traditional berry soup, fry bread, and a round dance.
- Little Moccasins, Okotoks Museum and Archives
- Nitsitapiisksakoo: Nitsitapii Landscapes Part 2, Okotoks Museum and Archives
- Indigenous Beading with Shermayn Menicoche, Okotoks Art Gallery and Studio
FASD Day
September 9th is International FASD Day!
First celebrated in 1999, this day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
Red Shoes Rock!
Red Shoes Rock is an incredible grassroots movement that has gained international recognition. The idea behind Red Shoes Rock is simple: wear red shoes at FASD events to bring attention to this disability.
Red shoes became a symbol for FASD awareness after Canadian educator and advocate, RJ Formanek, wore red shoes on an international stage to talk about FASD. For him, wearing red shoes are a symbol of power and strength.
For more information, please visit: https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/
30 Years of Foothills Regional Victim Services
30 years of Victim Services
On March 23, 1993, we were officially incorporated as High River and District Victim Services. Today is our 30th anniversary!
At the time, very few resources have been available to assist victims of crime and trauma. Individuals who have been victimized may not have, or do not wish to burden, friends or family, leaving no one else to turn to.
Due to increasing demands for victim support, High River Victim Services initially expanded in 1996 to include the Okotoks and Turner Valley RCMP detachments, before another expansion in 2005 to include the Nanton RCMP detachment. Foothills Regional Victim services currently offers support across the Foothills County area.
It is our belief that with early intervention and support, the impact of problems associated with crime and tragedy can be greatly reduced. We provide 24/7 on call assistance to victims requiring immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and practical assistance. Program staff and volunteers are asked to provide immediate help and support by RCMP members and by the staff of other community agencies, of whom we have formed bonds with because we are all local to the very community we reside in.
We are grateful to:
the RCMP detachments of High River, Okotoks, Nanton, Turner/Diamond Valley
our funders, the Victims of Crime Grant, past funders of AHS and the Alberta Law Foundation
the FCSS locations and community supports within Foothills County
our volunteers and staff who have always been an integral part of our program
our Program Manager of nearly 18 years Kerri Wilkinson and her endless dedication to providing support not only to victims, but to all of us involved within our unit
As we face an uncertain future, we can look back with pride and honour knowing that we have and will continue to provide the unique support and information that victims of crime and trauma need.
Charity Checkstop 2022
Thank you, Okotoks!
This year’s charity checkstop was held on December 8 from 2-4pm outside the Okotoks rec centre.
Donations went towards Rowan House Emergency Shelter, Okotoks Food Bank Association, and us here at Foothills Regional Victim Services!
We are grateful to the Town of Okotoks and those in our wonderful community for their support!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day, recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. We encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.
September 30 Events:
High River:
FCSS High River
Awareness packages with Orange Shirt cookie
251 9 Ave SW – 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Museum of the Highwood
The History of Treaty 7 – Jared Tailfeathers
406 1st St SW – 1:00 pm
Okotoks:
Okotoks Art Gallery
Blackfoot ceremony for residential school survivors
53 North Railway Street – 10:00 am
Okotoks Art Gallery/Okotoks Museum & Archives
Various exhibits
49 North Railway Street – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Calgary:
USAY and CIF Reconciliation Society
Pokaiks Commemorative Walk & IndigiTRAILS – Remembering Our Children
Prince’s Island Park (at the stage) – 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Siksika Health Services & Calgary Hitmen
Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow
Scotiabank Saddledome – 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)