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Abuse b is an obstacle b l for f development, d l peace and d equality l Continued from page 1 3 · Thursday, November 3, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com in the world. It is a threat to all women and an obstacle to our efforts for development, peace and gender equality in our society," said Diane Beaulieu, executive director of local shelter, Halton Women's Place. "Together, as a council, we will continue to work towards a violence-free community that is safe for all its citizens because a life without violence is the only life to live." Halton Region Chair Gary Carr thanked both the violence prevention council and the Halton Regional Police Service for the work they have done to curb violence against women in Halton and to help its victims. Carr noted through the community and police working together, Halton has been named the safest region in Canada by Maclean's s magazine three years in a row. "The Halton Regional Police Service is number one when it comes to solving violent crimes and that's because of two things. Obviously the fine men and women of the police service starting from the chief on down, but it's also because of the community because they (the police) can't do it alone. Things like Crime Stoppers and all of the other programs allows them to be successful," said Carr. "What all this does is it sends a message to the community that if you commit a violent crime in the Region of Halton you are going to get caught, you are going to get charged and you are going to get punished. Sadly, that isn't quite the case in some other communities." Despite Maclean's s magazine singing the region's praises three years in a row, Halton Police Chief Gary Crowell said there is so much more that needs to be done with many Halton women still enduring abusive relationships. "We don't take comfort in knowing that there are people who are still victims. In spite of all our work, in spite of all our efforts and the work of our "We will continue to work towards a violence-free community that is safe for all its citizens because a life without violence is the only life to live." Dianne Beaulieu, executive director Halton Women's Place Inside d Opinion.............................................6 Health.............................................20 Travel..............................................21 Sports..............................................24 Classified........................................30 Full Delivery: Pharma, Guardian, Arrow Furniture, Freshco, Food Basics, Metro, Gino's Pizza, Max Care Medical, Leggat Kia, M&M Meats, JYSK, 2001 Audio, Garfield Entertprises, Atmosphere, The Bay, Smart Source, Pirthipal's Scan, Vistek, Sobeys, FM Windows Partial Delivery: Bouclair, Staples, The Source, Shoppers Drug Mart, Black's Photo, Walmart, Pharma Save, Home Outfitters, Toys R Us, Bank of Montreal, Zellers, Mark's Work, Canadian Tire, No Frills, Best Buy Canada, Fortinos, Superstore, Future Shop, Centennial Windows, Sears, Loblaws For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Thu., and Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open for calls only after 5 p.m.) Closed Sat. and Sun. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com police officers and the partnerships we've garnered, every day we have more and more victims," said Crowell. "What is notable about the statistics is that the numbers are not going down, but the awareness of all of us that violence is an issue in our community means this crime is being reported more often." Crowell said in the past, domestic violence was viewed as something that was personal and best ignored by the general public. This is no longer the case. One of the programs being championed by the Halton Violence Prevention Council is called `Neighbours, Friends and Families.' This program seeks to raise awareness of the signs of abuse so people who are at risk have access to the support they need (www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.on.ca). A number of survivors of abusive relation- ships were present at the kickoff. They pointed out the abuse is not always physical -- emotional, financial and even spiritual abuse are also prominent. One woman, who left an abusive relationship and ended up living with her children in a shelter, said she is still surprised by the situation she suddenly found herself in. "I was a family studies teacher," she said. "I taught this...and I became a victim." These women are part of a group called `Women at the CentrE'. The group seeks to make things easier for abused women by changing the laws, which they believe, currently favour their abusers. For information, visit www.womenatthecentre.com or email marilyn@womenatthecentrE. com. David Lea can be reached at DLea@oakvillebeaver.com or follow him on Twitter at @ DavidLea6. BEST HEARING AT BEST PRICES 60 DAY GUARANTEE WARRANTY HEARING AID SPECIAL $ 295 Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville 905-827-7333