By Adriana Christianson

Regina students shine a light on violence against women

Nov 26, 2014 | 12:17 PM

Grade 10 students at Scott Collegiate unveiled a painted bench Tuesday called Angels Corner as a symbol of hope to break the cycle of violence against women.

“It’s a place for reflection and it shines a light on those who have faced abuse,” explained Thomas Giles who took part in the class project.

While the students designed and built the bench, they also listened to an elder speak about traditional aboriginal teachings to value and respect women. Throughout the project, they also learned that indigenous women are three times more likely to be the victims of violence in Canada.

An anonymous survey showed just how prevalent the issue is for the school community and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Justine Lonechild said more than half of the 40 people surveyed had personally experienced violence or known someone who had.

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“Here in the North Central community, a lot of violence and abuse has taken place, so I wasn’t really surprised,” Lonechild said. “But the numbers that we counted up within our own school were pretty surprising.”

They also asked students if they had ever been approached by strangers while walking in the neighbourhood. Lonechild said she hasn’t had this happen personally but she knows many other students who have.

Following a school assembly, students and community guests lined up to sign a banner with a pledge they recited together. Together, they swore never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

For Lonechild, it’s a message that must be heard in the community.

“I think it’s important to stand up as a younger generation because not a lot of adults are taking a stand themselves,” she said. “We need to set good goals for the new generation.”

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