'Night Light Walk’ in North Vancouver Illuminates Issue of Intimate Partner Violence
Thank you, Janella Hamilton and CBC News, for featuring our inaugural Night Light Walk with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and TD!
Janella Hamilton, Reporter & Video Journalist at CBC News Vancouver
Dozens of people in North Vancouver gathered Thursday to walk in support of women and children fleeing abuse. Organizers say 95 Canadian municipalities have declared intimate partner violence epidemics in their communities since 2023.
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A night of hope to end violence against women. Dozens of people walked through North Vancouver's Edgemont neighbourhood Thursday night, adorned with lit-up wristbands, a symbol of strength and solidarity.
“It is really symbolic lighting the way and for women and children going through domestic violence to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are here to help that.”
Money raised goes to the North Shore Crisis Services Society, a local organization that helps hundreds of women and children navigate new beginnings violence-free. Sandra Lee, NSCSS Development Manager says, “Our residential programs, both SAGE Transition House and Second-Stage Housing, are almost always full.” Organizers say it's shedding light on the challenges women experiencing abuse face.
“The need is definitely here. Especially with this absolutely high housing market, the biggest impediment for women is the ability to leave an abusive relationship. It’s where they’re going to go after they’ve been at the our transition house.”
The society says events like this raise awareness about a critical issue that is often hidden behind closed doors and helps families stay together.
“It’s being able to access skills training, complete her degree, and find fulfilling jobs… From some of the mothers I’ve spoken to, they have felt closer to their kids because they can be fully present and can enjoy them without this darkness that used to loom over them. ”
Advocates here say roughly 360, 000 children witness family violence each year in Canada and according to StatsCan, more than 117, 000 cases of intimate partner violence were reported in 2022 alone. Janella Hamilton, CBC News, North Vancouver.