24/7 provincial toll-free crisis line 18779770007

  • Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters

MAWS provides information only. If you are in danger call 911. If you or someone you know is being abused, call the confidential 24/7 provincial toll-free crisis & support line at: 1-877-977-0007

Dauphin – NOVEMBER is DV AWARENESS Month BREAKING THE SILENCE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

NOVEMBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

PARKLAND CRISIS CENTRE

BREAKING THE SILENCE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Shelters are a “Pandemic within a Pandemic”!  Kari Prawdzik, Executive Director of the Parkland Crisis Centre & Women’s Shelter says, the safety of your own home can be the most dangerous place for women and their children if there is violence, but especially during the pandemic.

Restrictions and barriers due to Covid-19 may have made it more challenging for those experiencing family violence or domestic abuse to leave the home.   However, Prawdzik said it is possible.  The Parkland Crisis Centre and Women’s Shelter remains open 24/7.  We may look a little different, as we are following the public health regulations, but none the less, whether phone counselling, walk-in counselling by appointment or accessing our residential facility, we continue to provide uninterrupted services.

Domestic violence occurs across all ethnic, racial, religious, age, social and economic groups; whether you are married, dating, single or in a same sex relationship.

In 2019-2020, The Parkland Crisis Centre and Women’s Shelter in Dauphin provided safe, emergency residential shelter services to upwards of approximately 1500 women and their children experiencing domestic abuse or family violence and the Centre received approximately 1300 crisis calls.

The Parkland Crisis Centre and Women’s Shelter is “more than a bed”.  They offer wrap around services- support and advocacy for women who may require community connections with agencies such as legal aid, employment and income assistance, housing, mental health and addictions or seeking a Protection Order.  Prawdzik said they currently have 2 Protection Order designates onsite for anyone needing information on this court order.

You do not have to be in the residential facility to receive the services of the Crisis Centre.  Walk-in appointments can be set up to receive assistance with protection order applications and safety planning, as well as one on one family violence counselling, the Anger Solutions and parenting programs.

Some of the warning signs of an abusive relationship are:

*Being fearful of a partner who may be dominating or controlling;

*Limited or no access to money or credit;

*Lack of transportation for daily needs;

*Low self-esteem;

*Frequent injuries requiring medical care;

*Anxiety, often leading to depression and a change in mental health; and

*An increase in addictive behaviors.

For Children who are exposed to violence, consequences from this experience can include:

*Emotional trauma;

*Increase in depression or aggression, and

*Injury, permanent disability and even death.

Many of these children also develop physical, psychological or behavioral problems that extend into adolescence and adulthood.

The Parkland Crisis Centre’s mandate is to work with all those experiencing domestic abuse or family violence.

As the use of social media has increased in society, the Parkland Crisis Centre is noticing an alarming rate of increase abuse via texting.

Prawdzik acknowledges that technology has now become an important part of our daily life and we can hardly imagine living without being connected to others, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.  However, like all other aspects of life, when used incorrectly, a dark side can emerge.

Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites have become the norm for communication between family and friends, but these same platforms make it much easier to track, stalk, threaten or abuse victims of violence.

This raises the risk and puts them in danger even in places they may feel they are safe, such as the confines of their own homes.

Shelters across the province are aware of the trend and are taking steps to assist those impacted by techno-stalking and abuse.

One of the most common questions we hear is “why do individuals stay in abusive relationships”?    “Why don’t they just leave”?   Leaving a violent relationship can be the most dangerous time for an individual;

  1. Many victims never tell anyone about the abuse; they feel ashamed or embarrassed, or fear being stigmatized by others
  2. Their partner may have promised to change, or harm themselves or others if they leave
  3. The may live in an isolated area or be socially isolated – no internet/cell service, lacking access to information, resources and support. They may also face communication, language or cultural barriers
  4. They may be economically dependent on their partners and fear poverty for themselves and their children
  5. Emotional abuse can wear down a victim’s self-confidence. They may think the abuse is their fault and be emotionally unable to move forward
  6. They may have strong beliefs about keeping family together, or experience similar pressure from relatives or as part of their culture
  7. They may be reluctant to report the abuse to police, either because they fear retaliation, or believe that the criminal justice system may not be able to assist them.

Everyone has the right to live without fear and violence!  If you are experience domestic abuse or family violence from an intimate partner or other family members, or if you know someone who is, contact the Parkland Crisis Centre Crisis Line @ (204) 638-9484 or toll-free at 1-877-977-0007 to connect you to the closest shelter.

To book an appointment for walk-in counselling, Anger Solutions or Parenting courses, or if you simply require more information, please call our business line at (204) 622-4626.  All our services are confidential!