It’s up to communities to keep their kids safe
Debbie Scarborough is executive director of the South Okanagan Women in Need Society. Originally from Terrace, she has a master’s degree in leadership and training, public safety and justice, from Royal Roads University. She joined SOWINS in 2014.
Prior to that, she worked as a transition house co-ordinator, disaster flood recovery director, coroner, parole board member, RCMP victim services coordinator, RCMP auxiliary constable and instructor.
Outside of work she enjoys kayaking, cycling and non-contact boxing.
She spoke with valley editor James Miller about the work of SOWINS as well as a number of issues presently in the news.
HERALD: What, in 50 words or less, is SOWINS?
SCARBOROUGH: SOWINS is an agency that provides a number of services and programs for those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse. We serve individuals from the age of five to 89 presently. We work collaboratively with a number of agencies to ensure we deliver the best traumainformed service possible.
HERALD: What is the organization’s mission statement?
SCARBOROUGH: SOWINS works to prevent abuse and increase awareness about the impacts of abuse. Through creating dynamic, life-changing opportunities for empowerment of individuals and families, we support their physical, mental, emotional and financial wellness.
HERALD: Are there services available for men and, if not, where can they obtain them?
SCARBOROUGH: Yes, we provide services for men and others who do not identify as women. If we are unable to provide services to the individual we will try and offer alternatives and referrals where they may be able to receive assistance.
HERALD: With domestic issues, what generally is the appropriate age to begin discussing this with children without upsetting them?
SCARBOROUGH: This is a great question. Any age is appropriate; it can be done through play and fun. Messaging that your body is your own and safe healthy ways to express your feelings regarding what you are experiencing at home can be done and is being done at all ages.
HERALD: With domestic violence, in what area or areas have things improved over the past 20 or 30 years?
SCARBOROUGH: Awareness and access to information along with more services such as safety plans, shelter and support. Our Criminal Code of Canada has been revised and now includes criminal harassment, stalking legislation, and primary aggressor so those being assaulted, primarily women, are more supported through our criminal justice system.
HERALD: Has the internet and today’s rapidly changing world created new issues?
SCARBOROUGH: With social media we can victimize individuals easily without following them or touching them, sometimes traumatizing them to the point of suicide. With access to information, resources, and support comes the potential for distributing photos and false information about someone with little chance of reversing or calling back the information once circulated.
HERALD: Locally, did the system fail (Vernon murder victim) Traci Genereux?
SCARBOROUGH: Traci’s death is a tragedy. I do not know all the details so I can’t say whether the system failed her and her family. We as a community failed. We failed to keep a young person alive and safe. My hope is that we don’t further fail her and her family. We need to bring the individual responsible for her death forward and hold them accountable and stop the killing.
HERALD: What is your take on the Harvey Weinstein scandal? Who other than Weinstein himself is at fault?
SCARBOROUGH: There are many individuals performing indecent, abusive, and criminal acts just like Harvey Weinstein. What a different world it would be if everyone felt they had and acted on their right to say no and to tell someone without fear of retribution. How did Weinstein develop the thought that he had the right to sexually assault women? Once his behavior and reputation was known how is it that he continued to thrive in the industry? How is it that his abhorrent behavior and that of others is tolerated even today?
HERALD: How can you explain Donald Trump who, only months before the election, was exposed as a self-professed serial groper?
SCARBOROUGH: I can’t begin to fathom how he was elected.
HERALD: Jian Ghomeshi was the star at the CBC yet the brass their ignored complaints. Bill Cosby was a superstar in the 1980s. Is the greater the celebrity the less likely they’re held accountable for actions?
SCARBOROUGH: It appears that if the offender or perpetrator is bringing in a lot of money that those in charge or decision-making positions are looking the other way or brushing it under the carpet — trading individual’s trauma and lives for financial gain.
HERALD: Are you in support of the efforts being made to study murdered and missing Indigenous women?
SCARBOROUGH: Absolutely. We need to uncover what happened to those murdered and missing and call those responsible to be accountable. We have a responsibility to ensure that Indigenous women and girls are safe across the country and that the genocide of Indigenous women and children is stopped.
HERALD: Are you impressed with Justin Trudeau’s record to date as PM?
SCARBOROUGH: Justin Trudeau has made some good decisions, especially in regards to equity in the representation of women in parliament and politics.
HERALD: SOWINS staff deals with a lot of heavy issues. Is it a fun place to work?
SCARBOROUGH: Yes. We create a safe place in supporting those we serve to be authentic and real in their sharing and the same applies to our team. There is a high risk of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma therefore we support one another in our wellness by having fun. We have staff outings and events, pancake breakfasts, potlucks, play jokes on one another, supply chocolate in our first-aid cupboard and we start the day every day with sitting down to meet and share.
HERALD: What’s next for the organization, say, five years down the road?
SCARBOROUGH: We hope to listen, learn and work to meet the needs of the community with all our partner agencies and community members. This year has been quite a year for us. We purchased and renovated our administration office, purchased a new wheelchair and a much larger transition house where all residents have their own room and bathroom. We have our first second-stage housing (after the transition house stay they can move into a second stage housing suite) where they can stay for six months to a year without worrying about finding safe affordable housing. We have renovated new offices for a new program, SafeXting, working to provide supports to those in the sex economy that wish to exit. One of the most identified barriers to women leaving abusive relationships is housing, so our future is to build and supply safe and affordable housing that would enable those wishing to flee abuse the ability to leave.