Annual North Shore campaign kicks off today

By Layne Christensen
Community Reporter

THE success of North Shore’s
annual Together Against Violence
(TAV) campaign has sparked other
communities into action.

TAV was established in 1992) to raise
awareness and mobilize the community ta
take action against violence. November is
recognized by the mavors and council of the
three North Shore municipalities as well as
the. Official Trustee of the North Vancouver

School District
and the Board
of Trustees of
the West
Vancouver
School District
as Together
Against
Violenee
month.

Last year, the
initiative was
adopted by the
Tri-City area of
Coquitlam,
Port | Caquit-

lam, Port Moody and the villages of Anmore
and Belcarra.

The Justice Institute of B.C. has compiled
a manual on TAY.

The Practical Plan for Community Action,
as it is ‘called, provides the framework for
communities to start up their own violence
prevention campaigns.

Richmond comes on board this year. The
North Shore's campaign has also inspired a
community school in Burnaby to adopt a
weck without violence, said project coordina-
tor Franca Bertoncin.

Bertoncin, who presented the violence
prevention initiative at the National Crime

Prevenbon Conterence in PRD. last smmmer,

said TAV alse attracted interest from: munict
palines in Ontario and Newfoundland.

dere on the North Shore, a full calendar

ats marks community support for the

rAV ‘receives financial support from
North Shore Health and the three North
Shore municipalities but the involvement of
community groups is vital to the program’s
rontinued success, said Bertoncin.

“Collaboration is the kev she. said
“We're looking to support other initiatives
on the North Shore that promote violence
prevention.”

New to TAV this vear are partnerships
with religious organizations.

Highlands United Church has paid for the
purple ribbon campaign. The Bahai
Community of West Vancouver is sponsoring
workshops for young parents at North Shore
Neighbourhood House. The Capilano
Christian Community is sponsoring a series
of workshops on violence in the family.

There are workshops and seminars geared
towards seniors, women and teens. Topics
include assertiveness training, self-defence
and financial fraud.

“Our focus is on all forms of violence,”
said Bertoncin.

Aside from attending TAV events, what
can individuals do to lend their support?

Bertoncin suggests people have a day free
of violence.

Specific actions individuals can take
include lobbying government for action, vol-
unteering with a community safety program
like Block Watch, supporting a transition
house and simply turning off the TV.

“Any activity that increases the well-being
of the family will reduce violence,” said
Rertoncin.

A TAY calendar of events is available at the
News, municipal halls and libraries. Or call
983-6713 for more information.

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NEWS photo Terry Peters

YOUTH worker Roberta Marten helps six-year-old Jessica Wilds create a banner at
the Lynn Valley Kids Club. Banners will hang from lamp posts along Lynn Valley
Road to raise awareness of this month’s Together Against Violence campaign.

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