Raising Awareness During Family Violence Prevention Month: “The Elephant in the Room”

This November, the City of Fort Saskatchewan, in partnership with the Family Violence Prevention Working Group, will shine a light on the often-hidden realities of family violence with the “Elephant in the Room” public installation. The campaign encourages conversation, raises awareness, and connects community members with support and resources.

"Gender based violence often hides in silence, behind closed doors and quiet suffering.” said Melissa Kondro, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Fort Saskatchewan. “Raising awareness is how we break the silence. It's how we say, ‘We see you, we believe you, and you deserve safety and support.’ Awareness turns isolation into action, and pain into healing.”

Public Installation Details

• Dates: November 1 to mid-November
• Location: City Hall Art Nook

The installation will feature a paper mâché elephant where community members can write messages of support and inspiration. Crocheted purple elephants, fashioned into magnets, brooch pins, Christmas tree ornaments, and keychains, will be available for visitors to take. These small purple elephants symbolize a commitment to ending family violence, while also acknowledging the courage it takes to speak up.

To date, the City has received over 500 crocheted purple elephants for this year’s installation. In 2024, more than 1000 elephants were contributed from community members, creating a powerful visual display of community solidarity. Residents are encouraged to visit the installation, take a purple elephant, or contribute their own to show support.

The Family Violence Prevention Working Group includes Fort Saskatchewan FCSS, Families First Society, Fort Saskatchewan RCMP, CARVSS, Saffron, A Safe Place, and Family and Community Services from Strathcona County and Sturgeon County. Together, this network of community partners works to address and prevent gender-based violence by sharing resources, coordinating supports, and raising public awareness through education and advocacy. The group's collective goal is to foster a safer, more informed, and compassionate community where individuals and families can thrive free from violence.

For more information, visit fortsask.ca/FVPM.

Fort Saskatchewan, located just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River, is a vibrant hub for economic, recreational, and cultural activities. Nestled in the centre of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and home to nearly 30,000 residents, the city offers many amenities, including a multi-use fitness facility, an aquatics centre, 80 km of trails, and high-performance arenas and fields. Cultural highlights include a 500-seat performing arts theatre, historic sites, a museum, and a replica of the 1875 Northwest Mounted Police Fort. Fort Saskatchewan is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, providing a blend of experiences that welcomes everyone. The city is situated in Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta District 11. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Nehiyawak, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis. The City honours the First Peoples of this land and is committed to fostering reconciliation through relationship building, knowledge gathering, and education.