Upper Fraser Valley RCMP to hold ceremonies in Chilliwack, Hope as part of Purple Lights campaign

“The month of October is a month for shining a light on intimate partner violence and sending the strong message that it has NO place in our community,” Cpl. Kiener said. “The campaign honours those who lost their lives to intimate partner violence, supports survivors, and gives hope to those experiencing abuse.”

“Intimate partner violence is a social issue that can affect anyone regardless of their age, sexual orientation, economic background, or race.” Says Corporal Jackie Remple of the Chilliwack RCMP Intimate Partner Violence Unit, “It not only affects the survivors, but also affects the children in the home, family members, and sometimes even pets. The purpose of the purple lights illuminating the RCMP Detachment and other locations across the region this month is to bring community awareness to intimate partner violence and send the message that it has no place in our community.”

“Silent Witnesses”, which are life-sized silhouettes of women, men, and children who lost their lives in acts of intimate partner violence, will be placed throughout Chilliwack, the District of Kent and the District of Hope.

Silent Witnesses. (Image Credit: UFVRD.)

Cpl. Kiener says each silhouette represents a woman, man, and child who once lived, worked, raised children, and played amongst the community. Because these women, men and children no longer “have a voice”, the silhouettes are called “Silent Witnesses.”

Cpl. Kiener says the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment responds to a large number of calls for services annually, a number of these reports are related to intimate partner violence.

“Even one incident of domestic violence is too many and we must work together to change this,” Cpl. Kiener said.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Upper Fraser Valley RCMP to hold ceremonies in Chilliwack, Hope as part of Purple Lights campaign

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