Transition House ends the silence

Nipissing Transition House
News Release

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The week long campaign to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in our community was brought to North Bay City Hall today.

At 9:30 am local time, dignitaries, campaign volunteers and members of the community came together to learn who has been the driving force behind this unique advocacy campaign.

Janine Lafreniere, Executive Director of the Nipissing Transition House announced that as part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to victims of domestic violence they felt they needed to engage the community in a different way.

The organization today launched a new website – endthecycleofabuse.com. The site provides information designed to help everyone in the community confront domestic violence. Contact information for a variety of organizations that assist victims of domestic violence is readily accessible. The site provides resources for victims, community members and abusers.

William Ferguson of TWG Communications said, “Our agency was asked to assist in an awareness campaign and we felt that this important cause required a unique approach.“

For the past few days volunteers have been out in silent demonstration holding life size female silhouettes, affixing these cut outs in various locations throughout the community, covering the cut outs with demeaning words and overlaying them the message of Stop Domestic Violence.

“Domestic violence is a crime and it is rather a disgusting reality in society and we felt we needed to implement a campaign that would put a face on this issue.”, added Ferguson. ‘Silence is a major problem in confronting domestic violence so we began our efforts in silence, domestic violence is harsh, its ugly and so we showed that reality by defacing the silhouettes. Today we help launch a tool that empowers the entire community to stand against domestic violence.”

Additional campaign materials will soon be visible in throughout the community. A direct mail piece with a list of contact numbers for domestic violence resources will also be released in the weeks ahead. The Transition house will also be circulating bracelets, buttons and pencils carrying the campaign message. 

Speakers at the morning event included M.P., Anthony Rota, Mayor Victor Fedeli, Deputy Police Chief Al Williams, Carolyn Couchie Executive Director of Near North VICARS, Dennis Spencer of the North Bay White Ribbon Committee and Janine Lafreniere; Executive Director of the Nipissing Transition House.

The message was clear. This is community that cares deeply about this serious issue and members of the community, from all walks of life, are willing to come together in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

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