Yellowknife (Oct 06/04) - Abuse, alcoholism, threats and violence.

A young woman painted a harrowing picture of domestic trouble, alcoholic relatives, a home invader who attempted to rape her, warring parents and a boyfriend who "called me down until I felt like nothing."

Barbara Saunders, chair of the Coalition Against Family Violence, addresses the audience at the launch of Family Violence Awareness Week. - Alex Glancy/NNSL photo

The woman, identified as Shelly, spoke at the launch of the fifth annual NWT Family Violence Awareness Week held Monday at the Legislative Assembly. This year's focus is on youth. Past years' themes targeted families, families in communities, children and elders.

The event is co-ordinated by the Coalition Against Family Violence. It's an umbrella group of non-governmental organizations, aboriginal groups and the NWT departments of Justice, Health and Social Services, and Education, Culture and Employment.

"It's very hard not to be moved by a story like Shelly's, because I know in my heart there are so many hundreds of other stories out there," Barbara Saunders, chair of the coalition, told the assembled listeners.

The coalition compiled statistics for its presentation, including a figure that says 60 per cent of adolescent relationships are abusive.

Additionally, Saunders pointed out that young women are at the greatest risk for dating violence and sexual assault. The average age for men who date rape is 18.5 years old.

To be injured by a husband or boyfriend is the leading cause of injury to Canadian women.

Denise Genge, who runs the YWCA's Teen Violence Prevention Program, told the audience that she's seen awareness of youth violence increase in recent years. At one point in the program, she asked a series of questions and asked people to stand up if they thought it was a case of abuse.

"Over the past few years, I'm happy to see a lot more people standing up in that game," said Genge.

Premier Joe Handley, who spoke at the launch, also had some news for the audience. He told the crowd that an action plan drawn up by the Coalition 18 months ago has now been studied and is part of the Legislative Assembly's agenda next Thursday.

Youth and dating violence "continues to be a high priority for our government," said Handley.

"It's good to have this week to remind us that this is a serious problem in the Northwest Territories."

Handley said that despite progress on social issues and increased awareness, "we still find here that our use of shelters is five times the national average -- far, far too high."

Government responding

The government will be responding to a number of recommendations tabled in the Coalition's action plan, said Handley, including partnering, education, policy and promotion.

"Working together is an area we put a lot of emphasis on," he said.

The action plan was studied by officials from the GNWT executive and the departments of Justice and Health and Social Services.

"I want everyone here to spread the message that family violence hurts us all," said Saunders.

Her determination was echoed by Shelly, who is now back in school.

"I want people to know this cycle can be broken," she said.

"There is help out there. Ask -- it doesn't hurt."