More than four in 10 women and one-third of men have experienced some form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetime, reports Statistics Canada. 

November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Envision Counselling and Support Center offers help to families and individuals affected by Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence. 

“As an agency, we are definitely noticing an increase in demand for services and support for those who have been impacted by intimate partner abuse in their lives.” Laura Melle, Director of Operations at Envision, said in a media release.

Envision offers two programs that support individuals and families who are affected by domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

The Interpersonal Violence and Abuse (IVA) Program is available for people who have been affected directly or indirectly by abuse and, the Family Intervention and Rapid Support Team (FIRST) Program and is for individuals who are at risk of experiencing abuse.  

“What sometimes goes unrecognized, is the full scope of the impact that this violence has on communities.”  said Melle. 

Intimate partner violence can have an affect not only on the person who is experiencing the abuse directly, but it can impact individuals who are involved in that person's life such as family members, caregivers, coworkers, and educational staff.  

Envision Counselling and Support Centre operates in southeast Saskatchewan and provides a variety of supports to members of the community that have been or are currently at risk of being impacted by crime and/or abuse.

Most programs offered through Envision are free of charge.

There are Envision Counselling Centers in Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle, and Oxbow.  

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