The residents of Estevan took a stand against violence Thursday.
The annual Rally Against Violence in Estevan and Area (RAVE) was held on the lawn of the Estevan Courthouse. Organized by the Envision Counselling and Support Centre, the RAVE is an opportunity for the organization to highlight the work they do and to promote peace in the community.
Emcee, and Envision volunteer Lorelei Lachambre, said their counsellors provide support for victims of all forms of abuse such as sexual assault, partner abuse, older person abuse, family violence and dating violence.
"Envision also has an in home support program and, of course, our volunteer program," said Lachambre. "The special services offered at Envision are individual counselling, life tools support, support groups for women, client advocacy and support for children."
Lachambre further illustrated the need for a group like Envision, reading a letter from a local woman who was caught in an abusive relationship and turned to Envision for help.
"When you are stuck in an abusive relationship sometimes you can't see the light at end of the tunnel," said the letter writer whose name was withheld. "I was in an abusive relationship for 14 years and didn't know where to turn for help. I had seen a phone number for Envision - formerly VIP Services - and was apprehensive to make the call. Finally after another drunken rage from my husband, I knew I had to make the call. Envision was there for me every step of the way, even when I decided to go back to my ex-husband I never felt judged, only supported."
The writer noted when she did leave her ex-husband for the final time, Envision was again there to support her by assisting her with housing arrangements, parenting advice and workshops.
"They never, ever turned their back on me," she said. "I will be forever grateful for what Envision has done for me."
The program also included some sobering stats on abuse from Envision volunteer Kara Kendall who told the roughly 100 people in attendance that women lose their lives at the hands of an abusive partner five times as often as police officers, fire fighters and soldiers die either on or off duty.
"In the past year 420 calls were made to Envision's 24-hour abuse and sexual assault support line," said Kendall. "This year, 300 people were referred to Envision for counselling and other services. This past year Envision saw over 100 more people than the year prior."
Following the program, a sunset walk was through the city's downtown corridor. The participants then returned to the courthouse for refreshments and a performance by Blair Wrubleski.
