Community partnership highlights the “elephant in the room”

Meet Charlotte. Wrapped in yarn and named by the children at A Safe Place, an emergency shelter in Strathcona County, Charlotte is a three-foot elephant, set to bring awareness to Family Violence Prevention Month this November.

“Family violence can be the elephant in the room; it’s not easy to talk about but it’s there, happening in our community,” says Kesa Shikaze, Director of Family and Community Services at Strathcona County. “Acknowledging family violence, learning the signs and speaking up when we see it are powerful ways we can support one another and build a stronger, safer community.”

Charlotte the elephant can be found on rotating display at the Strathcona County Community Centre (Nov. 3-7), Strathcona County Library (Nov. 7-14), Millennium Place (Nov. 14-17), Ardrossan Recreation Centre (Nov. 17-21) and Bethel Transit Terminal (Nov. 21-28). Community members are encouraged to find Charlotte to learn more about family violence prevention and share a message of hope, words of support or a reflection about how family violence has impacted them using post it notes at the display. In addition to Charlotte, hundreds of mini elephants have been crocheted with care by local volunteers to help spread awareness. As a sign of support, community members can pick up the crocheted elephants at the display, while supplies last.

This initiative is part of a regional campaign spearheaded by the City of Fort Saskatchewan to break the silence around family violence and encourage open, supportive dialogue. Many community members and groups came together to support this initiative locally, including Strathcona County, A Safe Place and Saffron Centre. Charlotte’s frame was built by Men’s Shed, padded by the County and sent to A Safe Place to be wrapped in yarn and named. By bringing the elephant in the room into public spaces, the County and its partners hope to empower individuals and families to seek help, support one another and foster a culture of safety and respect.

Individuals experiencing family violence or concerned about a family member or friend can call Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 for resources and information. Visit strathcona.ca/FamilyViolence to learn more about family violence prevention and available local supports.

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Contact:
Strathcona County Communications
780-410-6595