Campaign seeks to end domestic violence
Cabs to be adorned with bold decals
Calgarians hailing cabs over the next few weeks may notice the return of a campaign that aims to raise awareness about domestic violence.
More than 800 Checker Yellow Cabs will be adorned this week in bold decals calling on Calgarians to get involved in the fight against domestic violence.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as just asking someone if they’re OK,” said Maggie MacKillop of HomeFront, the Calgary non-profit partnering with Checker for the campaign.
“Sometimes it’s about being an engaged bystander, being that person who can pick up on some of the subtle signs of somebody in an abusive relationship.”
MacKillop said rising rates of domestic violence in Calgary underscore the importance of spreading awareness about some of the signs of domestic abuse.
She said victims may be withdrawn or isolated from their friends and families. Sometimes, signs are as subtle as wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, MacKillop said.
“We want to encourage them to see they have value, that they don’t have to live this way and that there is hope for a better future.”
The decal campaign is entering its third and final year. MacKillop said she’s heard stories of women flagging down the cabs in previous years of the campaign and drivers transporting them to safety.
“It’s moving billboards, and these drivers, they’re all over the city (and) they spread the word about HomeFront and domestic violence,” MacKillop said.
Domestic violence rates in Calgary climbed 12.8 per cent in 2016 from the previous year, according to Calgary police statistics.
HomeFront assisted more than 5,000 families in crisis last year.