Wear Purple Business Mixer – February 13th
The 2013 Family Violence Prevention Week is February 10th-16th. In an effort to gain support from and educate the Summerside area business community, Family Service PEI(FSPEI) has collaborated with the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce (GSCC). In addition to educating GSCC members about how they can support the 2013 campaign, the GSCC will be hosting a “Purple Business Mixer” on February 13th, the official Wear Purple Day across Prince Edward Island.
Event: GSCC Purple Business Mixer
Date: February 13th, 2013
Time: 4:30-6:00pm
Location: Red Shores Raceway
Description: Participants are encouraged to wear purple to the event for the chance to win prizes. Companies are encouraged to set up their display booths with the theme in mind. Family Service PEI will be on hand to educate participant about recognizing and responding to domestic violence in their workplace.
Domestic violence used to be a “mind your own business” issue; but times have changed. FSPEI, with the assistance of GSCC, is encouraging local businesses to “make it our business”. It is important that employers understand and recognize how harassment and violence costs organizations and affects employees. When it occurs, they pay for increased sickness, absenteeism and turnover rates and reduced productivity.
In 2011 a total of 178 assaults were reported to the Summerside Police Department. Of these, 40% occurred between persons with a family/domestic relationship while 60% involved friends, acquaintances or strangers. (www.stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca)
It is time that employers, supervisors, managers, human resources and safety officers, security personnel, union representatives and co-workers recognize domestic violence, respond to it and refer victims and abusers to supports that offer help.
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For more information on this subject, or to schedule and interview, please contact Denise Lockhart – Executive Director, Family Service PEI at 902-892-2441, 902-436-9171 or via email: director@familyservice.pe.ca