November is National Family Violence Prevention Month and both Strathcona County and the City of Fort Saskatchewan have programs in place for support. 

Strathcona County reports that 714 reports of domestic violence came forward in 2014.  "Family violence is not a private matter.  It affects us all,"  says Roxanne Carr in a media release.  "We, as a community, feel the pain and grief that surrounds this violence.  However, more than ever, we stand together as a community to support each other while working in our neighborhoods, municipality and across the province to stop family violence."

Superintendent Gary Peck, Officer in Charge of the Strathcona County RCMP in the media release said, "No one needs to stand alone in dealing with family violence.  The RCMP is committed to stand side by side with our community partners in working together to bring attention and awareness to family violence within our community.  Our Domestic Violence Unit and Victim Services Teams are dedicated to assisting our victims and their families as we work towards eliminating family violence in our community."

Strathcona County has made strides when tackling this difficult topic.  A grant from the province was awarded to the County to help establish and develop healthy male relationships.  The County also offers an educational program called, "Make it Our Business" in an effort to teach the public about signs of violence and how to proceed with help.

The White Ribbon Campaign is a world wide one that brings light to domestic violence.  White Ribbons can be picked up through any County facility in November for free.  If you are a Fort Saskatchewan resident, Tony Stacey at Mix 107 can get you information on the cause or a ribbon, or contact April Jennings at the Families First Society.

If you or someone you know in Strathcona County is in an unhealthy relationship that is experiencing violence, you can call a 24 hour crisis line 780-464-7233.   The number for Family Violence in the County is 780-464-4044.