'We need men to join the movement': Tool kit encourages, empowers Albertans to stand against gender-based violence
A new tool kit being distributed in Alberta aims to help men better understand and take action against gender-based violence.
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) has launched the 'Leading Change Expansion Pack’ to invite and equip boys and men in the province to become better allies for women.
"We need men to listen to women, hear about what they go through in their day to day lives, learn a little bit more about how the world is different for women and lead change to interrupt toxic behaviours that they might encounter everyday," said Christie Lavan, director of public relations and community engagement for ACWS.
The boxes are filled with activities, games including a deck of cards dubbed 'Cards For Masculinity’ and different resources in an effort to teach men how they can make a real difference.
They are designed particularly for men who are not likely to abuse but may be curious about what they can do to help create positive change, especially in the age of #metoo and other social media movements.
"If it causes someone to call their friend out when they make a sexist comment about the waitress at a bar, that’s a huge win," said Lavan. "It can be so many micro ways, it’s just doing something differently then you did before. That’s what’s going to create culture change."
More than 500 boxes have been delivered to men across Alberta. According to a survey by ACWS the boxes are being well received, with 74 per cent saying they’d like a follow-up edition of the package if one becomes available.
Staff are encouraged and there's reason to believe the packages will lead to real change. A teacher has adopted the tools as part of their curriculum for students and a musician using the information in song writing.
"The pandemic has enabled us to develop new ways of reaching folks and enabling transformative change," said Lavan. "People like that they can work through the activities in their own time, from the comfort of their own home."
The boxes are free for a limited time through Leading Change Pack.
IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
According to the Calgary Police Service, there has been an increase in domestic violence calls during the pandemic. The ACWS says the likelihood of abuse escalating to homicide reached an all-time high in 2020.
The ongoing message during the pandemic was to stay home but that's not always a safe environment for someone living in an abusive home. The risk may be heightened as a result of increased isolation and new financial stresses at home.
Calgary police say there was a 15 per cent increase in domestic violence calls between 2019 and 2020, with 19,800 calls last year, however, there was a 13 per cent decrease in violent assaults associated with domestic violence.
Staff Sgt. Vincent Hancott with the CPS domestic conflict unit says there are come concerns about under reporting during the pandemic.
“That does cause us concern when there are provincial restrictions and as I said, that plays into the hands of abusers, when they want to restrict access to social media, access to banking information, access to family and friends, travel," he said.
"So the pandemic is possibly going to exasperate that and make it more difficult for domestic violence victims to come forward."
The number of people seeking shelters is actually down slightly in Alberta. According to Lavan, that’s likely due to COVID-19 concerns, reduced capacity at shelters due to social distancing, and women who are unable to escape with their abuser in their home.
"Staff have shared that in the last few months, they’re really noticing a lot of women that were scheduled to move into a second‐stage unit, but then are cancelling at the last minute. The sense is that women may be under increased scrutiny and living in danger and can’t leave, though they may want to."
If you or someone you know is at risk of domestic violence or seeking support from a shelter, you're encouraged to call the ACWS hotline at: 1-866-331-3933
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.