Puslinch groups partner to raise awareness about domestic abuse

by Susan Fielding

PUSLINCH TWP.

Domestic violence happens everywhere and within every socio-economic class. 

Shockingly, in 2009 there were 14 reported cases of domestic abuse in Puslinch Township - the second highest number of calls in the entire county. And officials estimate likely eight to 10 times that number went unreported. 

The Puslinch COP committee has decided to  make domestic violence a focus this year. During a recent meeting with the COP committee and clergy from local churches, OPP Inspector Scott Smith gave an account of various domestic situations he has encountered in his long policing career.

A representative from the local Women in Crisis group also shared services available to women in Wellington.

In a move to further raise awareness and reach out to victims, local clergy and the COP committee are joining forces with the OPP to offer a screening of the movie Looking for Angelina on April 27 at 7pm at Duff’s Church (just  north of the 401 on Brock Road). 

The independent film, based on a true story, was made in 2005 and has been shown to rave reviews at many international film festivals. It tells the story of Angelina Napolitano, an Italian immigrant who lived in Sault Ste. Marie and the first woman in Canada to use the battered woman defense in a murder charge.  

Organizers invite all community members to view this film on April 27.