Mother’s Day Vision Board Workshop for Parents and Children

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The Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter (PRRWS), in conjunction with the Peace River Public Library, will host a Mother’s Day Vision Workshop for parents and children ages 12-18. These events will take place on May 12 and 19. , and 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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These workshops will help participants build better and healthier relationships in their lives when it comes to setting goals and increasing self-esteem.

To register, call the Peace River Public Library at 780-624-4076. Organizers are asking those wishing to attend to register by May 9, but will be accepting registrations until May 12.

The PRRWS website is available here.

Nadine Kamieniecki, PRRWS Family Violence Prevention Worker, will lead the events along with Christina Sasseville, PRRWS Child and Youth Outreach Worker, and Ann Fritz, Family Violence Prevention Coordinator.

“These events are important to the community because they not only provide people with education on important topics, but they also connect people with support and resources in the community,” Kamieniecki said. “Being in the North, the resources may be less. Therefore, awareness of available resources is of great importance. These events allow people to come into a workspace without judgement, be creative, spark conversations, learn something new, and build better relationships.

Kamieniecki has worked with the PRRWS for nearly three years. She said situations such as political issues, COVID-19 and budgeting affect how those who need help can receive it. She added that clients’ needs will always come first, but these changes have influenced how help is provided to them.

“At Shelter, we don’t judge anyone. Every staff member is accessible and trained in trauma-informed care and keeps all information confidential,” Kamieniecki said.

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Regarding action, Kamieniecki said preventive measures focus on averting danger or looking for signs early, while corrective measures fix what has already happened and find ways to make sure that this does not happen again.

Workshops that teach participants what healthy relationships look like can prevent domestic violence. Kamieniecki said some signs of abusive behavior include quick involvement, controlling behavior, possessiveness, isolation, and unrealistic expectations.

“Corrective actions may include contacting supporters. The Shelter is a great support for this. Staff will work with people one-on-one and work on their specific goals without judgment if past actions or situations reoccur,” Kamieniecki said.

Kamieniecki added that on average, it takes a woman seven times before she leaves her abusive partner. Leaving a violent person can be the most dangerous time for a woman and her children.

Trained staff will conduct danger assessments with abused individuals. These are designed to help determine the possibility of being killed by someone’s partner. Staff also plan and organize safety outings for women and children.

“Our beliefs and missions at the shelter are that all individuals have the right to safety and protection under the law, all individuals have the right to live free from assault, abuse and violence,” Kamieniecki said. “No one should be forced to stay in a violent or abusive home because of [a] lack of alternatives. The right to personal integrity includes the right to make informed choices among alternatives in life decisions.

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Kamieniecki also gave information on the history of the PRRWS. In 1984, a group from Peace River, Alberta. region gathered to discuss family violence. The Peace River Domestic Violence Committee was subsequently formed. Their goal was to create a crisis line.

In 1985, this group became the Peace Country Crisis Association (PCCA).

In 1987 the PCCA ran a Safe Home Network, later titled the “Emergency Shelter Service”. This gave temporary accommodation for up to three days. Residents of the houses donated space for emergency shelter. Privacy and intrusion issues arose, leading women to choose to stay in hotels instead.

The PCCA was supported by Odyssey House, the North West Regional Steering Committee, Northern Alberta Development (Study on Family Violence) and surrounding communities for three years to establish a women’s shelter in the North West region.

The PCCA also provided services such as public awareness (radio announcements, workshops, etc. on domestic violence) and the Support Group for Battered Women (a group that held weekly support groups to help women victims of violence).

In 1996, the PCCA separated from the shelter while providing a crisis line and education services.

The PRRWS started operating on May 6, 1996.

In February 2022, the PRRWS began providing second-stage housing (three apartments for women and children). This gives a secure home and independent living for up to two years. This helps people in need to settle in the community with the support of outreach teams.