The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council (WRCPC) is an initiative core funded by the Region of Waterloo since 1994. Its work is rooted in a long history of restorative justice and community stewardship.
Since the onset of COVID-19, a coalition of community leaders has been working together to flatten the curve. Now, the WRCPC needs your help to fight what’s been called the shadow pandemic or second wave of family violence that is emerging due to isolation and stress. Some counties have reported a 39% increase in family violence as a result of Covid isolation. While physical distancing is important to keep the virus under control it can lead to significant stress in families. Violence is a potential outcome of this stress.
In April, Statistics Canada reported that
- 1 in 3 Canadians is very concerned about family stress and
- 1 in 10 women is very concerned about family violence
That’s why a coalition of 14 local agencies (including member organizations of the Children and Youth Planning Table) and municipalities is working together to raise awareness of the issue of family violence and sharing easy ways anyone can help at home, at work and in the community.
On Father’s Day – and just in time for the end of the school year – WRCPC launched the #KeepFamiliesSafe campaign. The campaign will run over the course of the summer and into the fall and includes social media, virtual events and outreach to groups including large employers and faith communities. Please discover more at www.preventingcrime.ca/KeepFamiliesSafe
While the research linking pandemics to violence in the home is very clear. It also shows that simple, early intervention can defuse tense situations before they escalate.
They need your help. Would you?
- Share content from preventingcrime.ca/KeepFamiliesSafe in your householder or website – we especially like the infographic
- Share content from the campaign on social media in the coming weeks and tag #KeepFamiliesSafe
- Share content from preventingcrime.ca/KeepFamiliesSafe with your extensive network
- Record a 60-second #KeepFamiliesSafe video to share on social media over the next few months to highlight the issue, what to look for and how to help. We’ve attached a draft script below and sample to get you started. We’re looking for positive, upbeat messages, tips to manage stress and resources to help if things are tough. Please be sure to tag @PreventingCrime and #KeepFamiliesSafe so we can thank you 🙂
- Meet with WRCPC to discuss the inclusion of provisions for family violence services in future pandemic planning.
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Julie Thompson, Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council JThompson@regionofwaterloo.ca or (519) 635-1412