November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And while most people would rather not engage in a conversation about DV, it's a prevalent issue for many in the Southeast. At Agape House, they see that impact firsthand.
“If you look back to our conversation from last year, we were talking about how our numbers are the highest we've seen in over 10 years. But this year already we're 70% higher than last year's numbers. And last year's numbers were the highest we had in over a decade, so the need is growing significantly.”
This from Lisa Fast, Outreach Coordinator at Agape House, a safe place for survivors of domestic violence.
This month, Agape House launches its Ribbons of Hope campaign. Fast explains.
“Throughout Steinbach and the Southeast, you’ll see local participating businesses displaying purple ribbon pins next to our donation cash boxes. So you just donate what you can, and take a purple ribbon pin to wear. And by wearing a purple ribbon pin, you're showing everyone that you’re taking a stand against domestic violence – you’re showing that you believe everyone has the right to be safe.”
For those who may not carry cash, you can just scan the QR code on the cash boxes for a quick link to the Agape House online donation page.
Fast says that Ribbons of Hope also lets everyone in the community know there's help here if you need it.
“These ribbons also help spread awareness, so we can destigmatize domestic violence in the community.”
When an individual comes to Agape House in need of some support, that can look different for every person. Fast notes that Agape House helps with physical shelter, but it’s so much more.
“Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and don't necessarily need to come in to shelter. So they call our 24-hour crisis line. We also offer counseling and support groups, as well as assistance with medical, legal, social services, finding housing – getting those housing applications sent in.”
Agape House also provides basic provisions like food, clothing, hygiene, information, and referrals – much of which lately has been for the Canada-Manitoba housing benefit for survivors of gender-based violence, which Fast says is fairly new.
“It’s a benefit that supports independence and really improves outcomes for individuals who have left a situation of violence and need help to pay their rent or mortgage – so they can establish themselves independently. So we’ve been doing a lot of those referrals lately, too.”
If that weren’t enough, Agape House also provides educational services. Fast says she facilitates many workshops and community presentations.
“We're really doing everything we can to help in the community.”
Ribbons of Hope is raising awareness for Agape House, but also funds. Fast explains that donations will go support Agape House services.
“Our services include counseling and support groups, basic needs in the shelter, and being able to provide hygiene products and groceries – especially because the cost of living is going up, and because we're offering our services to a lot more people now – so donations from our Ribbons of Hope campaign are crucial. They will help us directly support all these services.”
Fast says when she sees people out and about who are wearing a Ribbon of Hope, it makes her feel happy.
“I just want to say thank you for supporting us and thank you for taking a stand against domestic violence. Because it is quite a sensitive topic for a lot of people to talk about or even think about. So when you're taking a stand against it, I think it's a very brave move to make and I sincerely thank everyone who wears a Ribbon of Hope.”
You’ll find Ribbons of Hope and their donation boxes at participating businesses across the Southeast. For a full list of locations, or to donate, please visit the Agape House website.
The team at Agape House thanks Loewen Body Shop for sponsoring their Ribbons For Hope campaign as their contribution is greatly appreciated.
The 24 Hour Crisis Line is (204)-346-0028.
The Text Line is (204)-800-7799.