Vancouver Canucks’ player Ryan Kesler is featured in a new public service announcement aimed at breaking the silence on children’s exposure to violence against women.
“Three to five kids and teens in every classroom have been exposed to violence against women,” Kesler says in the video. “I’m Ryan Kesler and it’s important to know that you have a right to be safe.”
The announcement was part of the popchips Game Changers Program, where athletes, including Kesler, asked their fans “how can we give back to our community.”
The BC Society of Transition Houses was one of 15 local charities across North America to get their request, a video by Kesler that spoke to children who are affected by violence against women.
The video was launched Monday in advance of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign that takes place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.
"The popchips Game Changers program provided me with the wonderful opportunity to be introduced to a charity that I have now become very fond of, and supportive of the work they do for my community,” said Kesler in a release. “Kids and teens should never feel alone and have support when they need it.”
According to BCSTH, exposure to violence can have lasting physical, emotional and social impacts on the lives of children and youth.
"A role model like Ryan Kesler, who speaks out against violence against women and the right of every child to feel safe and receive support for their exposure to violence, can help prevent further violence." said Shabna Ali, executive director of the society.
The "Love Doesn't Hurt" campaign will be used in Children Who Witness Abuse Programs throughout the province.
