Calgary Tower to be lit purple on 40th anniversary of Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters

The Calgary Tower will be lit purple to mark the 40th anniversary of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) Tuesday evening.

ACWS provides support for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Executive director Jan Reimer says society as a whole has come a long way in creating awareness and understanding of the impact of domestic violence.

One of those impacts is the effect it has on children.

“It actually could affect the very architecture of a child’s brain if they’re exposed to trauma,” she told CityNews.

“They may be fearful they may not know how to play. You need to build that resiliency between mom and child to have a strong effect.”

Meanwhile, ACWS says the case where a man allegedly sexually abused women in the sex trade is a reminder that violence against women is still prevalent today,

“It really is going to take the whole community standing together. It’s going to take men calling out the behaviour of other men,” she said.

“It’s going to be a recognition of the rights that women have. And also, a recognition for gender expression however you choose to have that in a way that can be safe for individuals.”

Reimer says women’s shelters regularly help women in the sex trade access the support they need, like counselling and legal support.

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There are over 50 women’s shelters across the province.

ACWS will also host various events throughout the year to mark its anniversary and say it will “celebrate the achievements and contributions of its members,” which includes a three-day summit to be held May 2-4.

The High Level Bridge in Edmonton will also be lit purple tonight.