Patti Fisher
PANDEMIC within a PANDEMIC:
how Covid-19 aggravated domestic violence in our communities
Friday, May 13 at 7:00 pm
King Solomon Lodge
12o Centre Avenue, Cochrane
Every six days in Canada a woman is murdered by her past or current intimate partner. Growing evidence reveals the pandemic has made intimate partner violence even more prevalent. Reports of domestic abuse and family violence have increased around the world since social isolation and quarantine measures came into force. The issue is local, too!
Patti Fisher is the co-founder and Program Manager of Big Hill Haven, Emergency Shelter and Outreach Services for women who are experiencing and/or fleeing domestic violence. A Registered Social Worker, Patti has worked in the corporate sector and the non-profit field with vulnerable individuals and families for over 35 years. She has done front-line work with clients, managed residential programs and served on numerous boards. In her work, Patti has observed that there are a small number of key challenges that are common to all marginalized populations.
Patti is a fierce advocate for women and children who are caught in the cycle of domestic violence. The work being done at the shelter can be heartbreaking, but Patti believes the team at Big Hill Haven plays a big part in improving the lives of its clients. In her presentation, Patti will address the following:
- What is domestic violence? Why Cochrane? Why now?
- What have been the biggest surprises? The biggest challenges?
- How has the pandemic affected the situation? What is changing? Are there solutions?
Questions and group discussion to follow – please do join us!