Workshops To Focus On Reducing Domestic Violence - Promote Healing

It is one of the dirtiest little secrets in Saskatchewan and one that is often swept under the rug but it is something the province is the per capita leader of and in most people’s opinions not something to be proud about.

The secret is domestic violence and the fact Saskatchewan is the national leader in, on a per capita basis, over the past few years according to Statistics Canada figures. Saskatchewan had a per capita domestic violence rate of 655 victims per 100,000 people experiencing violence in the home Statistics Canada has recently reported.

To help reduce or even eliminate domestic violence as well as promote healing the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, Palliser Regional Library and the Moose Jaw Public Library are partnering with survivor of domestic violence Kendra Weenie in a program which will use art as a means to help add hope and healing.

Weenie, who was the victim of physical and emotional abuse, by the father of her daughter says she does not see herself as a victim but rather as a survivor in a system which in many ways let her down.

Her’s is a story which stretched across multiple police jurisdictions as she sought out justice and ensuring her abuser faced justice. In the end it took a picture publicly posted on the internet of true extent of her injuries to get public action and people to understand and have a collective conscience to help the police locate her attacker after he had cut off his ankle tracking bracelet.

Weenie, who in her college and university days was a talented volleyball player, has just released her self published book entitled Surviving Domestic Violence - My Journey of Self Care and Healing about her experiences which is not only her own personal account of what she endured endured but a guidebook on recovery and starting again from a Saskatchewan perspective.

She also points out the book and the upcoming January workshops are something for people of all genders as all genders can be victims who are on the journey from being victim to being a survivor and healing.

In the third week of January 2020 there will be writing as well as painting workshops which everyine is encouraged to attend. All workshops are free to attend. For more information or to register call the Saskatchewan Festival of Words at 306-691-0557 or 1-888-287-0557.

As with all books if you want a copy head on down to Post Horizons Booksellers at 57 High Street West.

MJ Independent will also be posting a review of the book at a later date.