An uptown tree covered in purple ribbons stands as a reminder about the continued prevalence of violence against women in Port Alberni.
389 ribbons were attached to the tree yesterday, recognizing the 389 cases of violence against women in our community so far this year.
Alberni Community and Women Services Society executive director Ellen Frood says the statistics are getting worse.
“Last year there was just over 300, two years ago just over 200, and the first year that I was here just over 100, so a very dramatic increase in the numbers,” she said. “It is bad news because it means that violence is taking place, but a good part of that story is that people are feeling comfortable to come forward to report to RCMP and to access services through places such as ACAWS.”
The purple ribbon campaign marks the start of 16 days of activism, and ACAWS will be hosting an open house today from 11 to 2 at their offices on upper third.
