It’s a subject most people would rather not discuss, but domestic violence occurs and it affects virtually everyone in our communities. Until we talk about it, it will continue to destroy our families, communities and the future of our children.

Children learn by example and domestic violence is not an exception to the rule. If a young boy sees his father drink and beat his wife, he will learn that this is how to deal with his negative emotions. A young girl will learn that this is normal male behaviour and should be tolerated, just as her mother tolerated it. Whether we are the abuser or the one being abused, whether it is us, our friends or family, everyone suffers from domestic abuse.

The board in charge of the Chisasibi Women’s Shelter has proposed a plan to the Quebec department of Health and Social Services to transform the shelter into the Chisasibi Community Wellness Centre. This change came as a result of the Quebec government refusing funds to the shelter because it did not serve enough people in the community and from misconceptions that the shelter was a place to help women leave their abusive husbands.

Instead of helping only women deal with domestic abuse, the new centre will serve anyone in Chisasibi or in other communities who needs counseling or simply needs to talk. The board is hoping the community will respond more positively to a wellness centre, which will focus on personal growth.

By helping people cope with physical and verbal violence, sexual abuse, victimization, anger, fear, alcoholism, drug addiction, lack of self-esteem and other questions of wellness, the centre hopes to release the repressed pain and sorrow that destroys families and blocks healthy development in the community.

The board is proposing to build the Community Wellness Centre and hire Native counselors to be trained. The counseling will be offered both in groups and individually. Talking circles, workshops, conferences, support groups and training sessions will all be part of the centre. A prevention program and crisis hotline will be put into place for people to call to get counseling if they are feeling suicidal, violent or needing to drink.

The board is planning to promote the centre to encourage everyone to feel comfortable with the idea of using the many services offered.

To get more information or to talk to acounselor, you can reach the centre at (819) 855-2489.