Cobourg Police Services Deputy Chief Paul VandeGraaf explains the #SheCouldBe campaign, which also has the participation of (from left) Northumberland Paramedics Chief Bill Detlor, Deputy Fire Chief Gene Thompson, Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu and Fire Chief Mike Vilneff.
By Cecilia Nasmith
Representatives of Northumberland County’s three emergency-service arms gathered in the Bryan Baxter Lounge at Venture 13 Friday to launch a new initiative with Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre – the #SheCouldBe awareness campaign.
Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu said that the chiefs and deputy chiefs of Cobourg’s police, fire and paramedic services are participating. A comment by each, accompanied by a photo, make up the displays that will be distributed throughout the town and on social media with the hashtag #SheCouldBe – making the point that a woman who has been so affected by domestic violence that a 911 cry for help has resulted could be anyone’s daughter, niece or beloved friend.
Deputy Chief Paul VandeGraaf said it was an idea he brought to Northumberland after seeing something similar in Waterloo.
VandeGraaf contacted all three of the county ‘s emergency services and got them on board with agreeing to put their own faces and sentiments behind the awareness campaign.
“As emergency-services personnel, we are sometimes the first people at the scene of domestic violence. We are those people who are providing emergent care at that wee hour of the morning when victims of domestic violence need us the most,” he said at Friday’s launch.
“We know this has great impact on our membership,” he added.
Paramedics, for example, get more than 1,300 calls a year from women in distress. VandeGraaf said the police get 129 domestic-violence calls annually. Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu noted the children who are caught up in these destructive cycles.
Stefanie Rudd, Cornerstone board vice-chair, said that family violence is a community issue that requires a community solution.
“When Cornerstone was approached, we were very excited about the potential of the campaign,” Rudd said.
“It’s a great way to highlight local statistics and educate the community about the reality of who could be affected.”
While Cornerstone has a long and effective relationship with the Cobourg Police Service, she said, “We appreciate all opportunities to engage additional community partners, and we are grateful for the opportunity to develop a relationship with the fire department and EMS – grateful for the opportunity for starting a really difficult conversation and bring family violence into the eyes of the public.
“Over 2,600 women and children accessed programs and services last year at Cornerstone, and the demand continues to rise. We hope, by working together, we can end family violence and create a place where hope can take root and grow.”
As the campaign begins to roll out, the displays will also have a QR code for anyone who wishes to learn more or to reach out for help.
And as it appears on social media, organizers invite everyone to share it and spread the word.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
