The third annual Comox Valley campaign to bring awareness to the issue of violence against women and families is fast approaching.
The Peace Begins at Home Purple Ribbon Campaign kicks off this Sunday and runs through to April 28.
Organized by the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) in partnership with local government, community organizations and individuals, the campaign, this year, is designed to reignite community awareness of domestic and family violence issues, according to the society's Anne Davis.
This year's campaign is "really about asking the community to remember to have this conversation (about violence)," says Davis. "Talk about it with your kids, talk to your sons and daughters — if they notice something going on with a friend, how would they respond to that.
"It's something that, as a community, we really need to stand up against."
The community can also support the campaign by donning a purple ribbon, displaying a campaign bumper sticker on their vehicle, or leaving a comment in the guest book on the CVTS website at www.cvts.ca/peace-begins-at-home.
"We are anticipating that the municipalities and a number of public places around the Valley — the rec centres, places like that — will have purple ribbons available," she says. "We're asking people to wear them, you know, put the bumper sticker on your car, wear the purple ribbon, show support for the campaign."
Davis notes much of the work the transition society does is behind closed doors due to the need for confidentiality.
"But when I'm out in the street and I see a car go by with that bumper sticker on then I feel like, 'Oh yeah, the community, the community talking about this, some of the community gets it,'" she continues. "And that's hugely supportive."
Comox Valley businesses and non-profit organizations can also support the Purple Ribbon Campaign by becoming an official partner and displaying campaign signage, ribbons or educational materials, or encouraging staff, volunteers or members to take the pledge and wear the ribbon.
Past Courtenay Mayor Greg Phelps was instrumental in starting the campaign after he was inspired by Prince Edward Island's Purple Ribbon Campaign.
To learn about the problem of domestic violence and available resources, or for more about how to become involved in the campaign, visit www.cvts.ca.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com