Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 14/02) - Audrey Zoe is the victim services co-ordinator who runs a helpline for women out of the Native Women's Centre and the RCMP detachment.

She says strong positive role models can help children break the cycle of family violence.

Yellowknifelife: What services does Victim Services provide?

Audrey Zoe: Right now we provide information, referrals and support. We accompany victims to court and the hospital depending on their physical condition. We provide emotional support as well.

Yellowknifelife: What do victims who call need most?

AZ: What they are looking for is reassurance that they are in a safe place right now, that they've lived through what they've gone through. They want to feel secure.

Yellowknifelife: How can children who witness violence in the home stop from continuing that cycle?

AZ: Well, peer pressure has a lot to do with it. They can recognize the behaviour of others, ones who don't have family violence in their homes. They can realize other kids are not behaving this way, so why am I going out hitting this person? ... You have to start young. As soon as you see a kid hitting another kid you tell them that's not normal.

Another way to prevent it is starting in the home. Teachers are there to teach. If they spend all that time preventing kids from hitting each other they are taking up their teaching time. So I really believe it has to start at home. They need to be positive role models with a positive outlook on life.

Yellowknifelife: Are people more aware of family violence now?

AZ: I would say yes. I've been here since 1978 and I've been involved in the health-care field since 1980. We started up the Native Women's Association in Rae. Even then, family violence was there, but it wasn't recognized as being a problem. People figured it was a cultural thing, that it was OK to make your spouse behave in a certain manner that was acceptable to the man.

Yellowknifelife: Do you think that attitude is changing?

AZ: Yes, and a lot of people are more aware of it now. It really has to do with the amount of isolation a community is in and what services are provided. If you are a unilingual Inuit, how are you going to read a pamphlet?

And what if you are lead a low-key lifestyle and never leave your home ... usually those are the type of people we have as victims because they aren't out to hear what's going on in the community. They are isolated.

Yellowknifelife: If someone grows up in a violent home and then finds themselves acting the same way, can they change that behaviour?

AZ: People can change. They can do it. I've seen it happen.

Yellowknifelife: Can you give me an example that sticks with you?

AZ: Probably this elderly lady that came when I first started my job. She was worried about her attitudes toward her grandchildren. She was worried she was hitting them too hard.

I suggested to her that spanking is wrong all together nowadays. It's not like 20 years ago. I explained that to her and she came back to me a month later. I gave her pamphlets and helped her through it. She actually thanked me for it.

Yellowknifelife: You mentioned that by the time women call Victim Services, they are usually already hurt, in the hospital or RCMP office. What would help get them to come forward sooner?

AZ: To get out of their cycle of violence? I think some women have a low self-esteem. Maybe they figure it's normal. Maybe she wants to leave, but doesn't know how. Maybe it's a low level of education or they have six kids together. Maybe she doesn't know how to reach out, she's shy or she's afraid to speak about it. There are a lot of factors that come together.

Yellowknifelife: How do you change that?

AZ: Sometimes it's too late. They are dead. They are in a body bag. Maybe this will awaken their friends. Women have to want the help, they have to come and get it.

Yellowknifelife: What would you like to tell a woman in a violent situation.

AZ: I would like to say that if you call, it's confidential. We will get a plan for you to escape and we will make referrals for you and probably contact the community you're in. She just has to make one call.