Mission had over 1,400 reports of intimate partner violence last year.
According to a Mission RCMP news release, intimate partner violence happens daily and is one of the reasons behind the Purple Lights Campaign, which strives to raise awareness by bringing people together, offering support, and hanging purple lights at various locations around Mission to help make people more aware of the issue.
This year’s Purple Lights Campaign began with events last weekend at Oxygen Yoga and the Mission Friendship Centre.
Mission RCMP victim services coordinator Stephanie Atzinger is also involved with the Purple Lights Campaign.
“Intimate partner violence is an ongoing issue that so many people face in our communities. We work closely with people who are going through these situations, to support them, and to help them know that they are not alone,” she said.
Mission RCMP said not all of the1,418 reports last year involved physical violence – it could have been a heated argument escalating quickly, someone harassing their former partner by continually messaging them, or someone making threats to their partner.
“However, many other intimate partner violence calls to police were the result of serious physical assaults – and keep in mind that four hundred and eighteen only represents the number of incidents that were actually reported,” the detachment said.
“Regardless of the specifics, all of these calls had one thing in common – two people, in a current or past intimate relationship, were in a serious conflict where someone got hurt, felt unsafe, or just needed help.”
RCMP advise those experiencing domestic violence not to wait for things to get violent and to call police if help is needed.
“If it’s happened before, it’s likely to happen again. Intimate partner violence offenders can be very good at apologizing, making excuses for their behaviour, and assuring you they’ve changed. Know that if it happened once, there’s an increased likelihood that it will happen again,” police said.
RCMP also urges victims not to blame themselves.
“No level of hurt is okay. Every relationship is going to have some conflict from time-to-time, but if the conflict in your relationship is to the point where you are fearful, where you feel you can’t leave, or where you have been physically hurt, know that those things are not normal, and are not okay,” the detachment said.
Those in immediate danger are advised to call 911. For past incidents, call Mission RCMP’s non-emergency line (604-826-7161) or Victim Services (604-820-3504) to get information about support services that can help.
“Some people don’t call police because they don’t want their partner to get arrested. Others may not call because they don’t think anything will change. Although each situation is different, talk to us, tell us about your concerns, and we’ll help you understand what can be done,” the detachment said.
The Purple Lights campaign continues at the Mission City Farmer’s Market at Centennial Park on October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It wraps up with a community walk on October 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting at the SARA for Women office at 33070 5th Avenue.
