More work needs to be done to tackle violence in our region, said Irene Willsie of the Violence Is Preventable Committee during a presentation to city council Tuesday.
While crime stats for Williams Lake are down, Willsie said she is not comfortable suggesting the amount of domestic violence is diminishing.
“There are less calls going into the RCMP, and victim services, but all the anti-violence counselling support services are still recording record case loads.”
Willsie said plans are underway for the Annual Take Back the Night Event in Williams Lake, taking place Friday, Sept. 25.
The walk will depart from and return to Save-On-Foods, leaving at 5 p.m. followed by a barbecue by donation in the parking lot.
“In September every year, we host the walk to raise awareness about violence in our community,” Willsie said, noting it’s a way to add a voice to efforts to reduce violence in the community.
“We will walk through downtown on Oliver Street to Third Avenue, where we will turn right along Borland Avenue back to Save-On.”
Membership on the violence prevention committee is made up of representatives from the Women’s Contact Society, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the RCMP and Corrections, Willsie said, noting the group hosts a series of events during the year.
Proceeds from the barbecue will go toward violence prevention work being done in the community.