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Letter from the Executive Director

April 19th to April 25th was the annual Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in 1998. Every year this week draws public attention to the various forms of violence that are a daily part of the lives of many women in our province. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to partner with the B.C./ Yukon Transition House Society, the Attorney General, the Ministry of Women's Equality, and the RCMP and municipal police forces throughout British Columbia in a bumper sticker campaign.

During this week bumper stickers produced by the B.C./Yukon Transition House Society were displayed on police cars across the province. The bumper stickers showed a Band-Aid and stated "This isn't enough any more... Prevent Violence Against Women & Children". As stated by Greta Smith, "the partnership is more than a bumper sticker, it is a statement that violence against women and children is not acceptable. It is a signal to women who are experiencing domestic violence that help is available."

From my perspective I hope that this is the first of many large, visible community initiatives. Child abuse, domestic violence, abuse of older persons are all interrelated and merit serious community action.

On a personal note, at the end of this week I am leaving the Institute, to move on to my next great adventure which will include recreation, relaxation and independent work on issues that face many older persons in our ageist society. I want to focus in particular on services and lack of services for older women.

I am pleased to welcome the new Executive Director, Penny Bain, who comes to the Institute with a great deal of community experience and knowledge on issues of family violence. I wish her well.

Jill Hightower