November is Family Violence Prevention Month, and the cause is set to be recognized in the Lakeland region.
Stepping Stones Crisis Society is set to lead multiple events and initiatives with its partners over the next few weeks, to help take a stand against family violence.
Officials said the activities aim to encourage conversations, challenge misconceptions, and remind survivors that they are not alone.
“Preventing family violence takes more than responding when someone reaches out for help,” said Kim Reed, CEO of Stepping Stones Crisis Society.
“It means building awareness, challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to continue.” Reed continued, “At Stepping Stones Crisis Society, prevention is an important part of our work, and we know that lasting change happens when the entire community is part of the conversation.”
PURPLE PORCH PROJECT
One of the new initiatives for 2026 is the ‘Purple Porch Project: Light Up the Lakeland’.
The project invites the community to display purple lights, decorations, or other purple touches on and in their property throughout the month. Officials explained that purple is a symbol of awareness and solidarity in the rally against family violence.
“We wanted to introduce something that gives our community a simple, visible way to stand together against family violence. The Purple Porch Project is about more than putting a purple light in a window; it is about showing survivors that their community sees them, supports them, and stands beside them,” said April Simard, the Events and Community Engagement Manager at Stepping Stones.
“We want to see Cold Lake and the surrounding Lakeland light up in purple this November, sending a message that family violence is not something we can ignore. Every light is a reminder that we all have a role to play.”
Community members are invited to share photos of their purple displays on social media using #PurplePorchProject to help spread awareness.
CANDLELIT VIGIL
On Nov. 1, the society will hold a candlelit vigil at its facility in Cold Lake (5305 47 Street), giving community members a chance to come together with survivors and those impacted by cases of family violence.
Attendees can reflect, as well as share poetry, art or written work.
Everyone is welcome, and a light meal and snacks will be provided.
COMMUNITY POSTER CAMPAIGN
The society is launching a poster campaign that is designed to bring important conversations about family violence into everyday spaces.
The campaign will feature four posters addressing issues related to family violence and provide information on resources through the society website.
“Family violence reaches far beyond what we see on the surface. It can affect a person’s confidence, independence, relationships, finances, and sense of self, often in ways that others may not recognize. The impact can extend to children, families, and the wider community,” said Anita Gerwing, Outreach Specialist at Stepping Stones.
“Awareness matters because understanding what family violence looks like is one of the first steps toward recognizing it, supporting those experiencing it, and helping people connect with the support they deserve.”
Local businesses and organizations can display the posters, making the information more visible and accessible to clients and guests. Businesses that are interested in participating can contact Gerwing at the society to make poster requests.
The society said by placing the messages where people live, work and gather, the hope is to boost awareness, spur meaningful conversations and help community members find support if they need it.
WORKING TOGETHER
The society is thanking its partners for their support throughout the month.
A statement from the society read, “Stepping Stones is pleased that the City of Cold Lake, MD of Bonnyville and Town of Bonnyville have chosen to declare November as Family Violence Prevention Month in each of their respective communities.”
The society provides shelter, outreach, advocacy, education, and support for those affected by family violence across the Lakeland region.
More information is available on the Stepping Stones Crisis Society website.
