International Women’s Day 2013 is March 8 and this year’s theme is Working Together: Engaging Men to End Violence Against Women, a philosophy parallel with the work Ponoka Victim Services does year-round.
“We work with a wide variety of people of course, but woman are always a high percentage,” said Kristi Motley, executive director.
“The rights of individuals are very important. This day focuses on women’s rights and celebrates women. But in general everyone’s rights are monumental. No person, whether they’re man or woman, black or white, is more important,’ she added.
Each month Ponoka Victim Services receives between 15 and 30 calls. Motley says more than 50 per cent are related to violence and family disputes.
Within the last six to 12 months Motley has seen an increase of domestic violence and family disputes.
However, she feels this phenomenon isn’t unique to Ponoka. “I’m honestly not sure why, and like I said I don’t think it’s just our community.”
Ponoka Victim Services helps victims of violence work through their situations, including helping them understand and go through the court system. “We can actually attend court with them. We also make them aware of what their rights are as a victim,” said Motley.
She says victims’ rights include restitution and financial compensation from the Victims of Crime Fund, “in case of injury or death.”
Victim impact statements are also important for and can sometimes affect sentencing. Victim Services also has other resources available for the community, including anti-bullying and drunk driving resources.
“Maybe if we give them the opportunity and the knowledge and the self-confidence they’ll hopefully avoid those situations,” said Motley.
However, she knows that isn’t always possible. While one day isn’t more important than any others in Victim Services’ line of work, awareness days such as International Women’s Day have their purpose.
“I think all these awareness days, whether you live in a larger centre or a smaller centre, are important because it makes you stop for a moment. They make us stop and think,” said Motley.