It’s unfortunate there is a need in this day and age for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those hurt by domestic violence and bullying.
It’s unfortunate because one would think at this point in society’s evolution, we would have come to the realization that violence in all its forms is simply not acceptable. Why is it there are still people out there who think it’s OK to abuse another human being?
Surely we all realize that each and every person of every age, race and ability is worth something and should not be belittled or abused in any fashion.
And that abuse isn’t always physical makes the problem that much more difficult to combat.
We all can tell the signs of physical abuse — bruises in uncommon places with unlikely stated causes, a steadfast defence of the abuser, etc. — but abuse can be more insidious as well.
How easy is it to spot a victim of mental or emotional abuse? The signs are sometimes masked in the victim’s personality.
And nobody is immune. Everyone can be a victim.
That’s why, unfortunately, we need these vigils and remembrance services.
That’s why the Hope Resource Centre’s Nov. 7 vigil at the north end of Main Street is so important.
It’s clear we need to hear the stories of the victims and their families. We need to hear how abuse in all its forms affects those victims and their families.
We need to hear from people like Lynne Rosychuk, whose daughter Jessica Martell died at her husband’s hands, leaving Rosychuk to care for her grandchildren. We need to hear her stories, and stories of others, to put a face to tales of abuse and to realize it’s not a problem that happens to “other people.”
It can happen to our neighbours, our friends, our family members. It’s not something we should only hear about when another young life is cut short, like that of Amanda Todd, the B.C. teenager who took her own life after being bullied relentlessly.
Or Jamie Hubley, the Ottawa boy who was bullied into taking his own life because he was gay.
We shouldn’t know who these teens are because they should never have been bullied.
So if you’ve been bullied, or know someone who has, speak up. Making the issue known is the only way to end its reign of terror.
