Hundreds of family and friends of victims of violence and abuse gathered today at the bank of the Frasier River to mourn the loss of generations of Prince George families torn apart and left asunder by the disease of family violence and abuse.
Throwing carnations of varying colours into the water Saturday at Paddle Wheel Park, mostly women and children gathered to sing and spend time remembering the loved ones they have lost due to family violence and abuse.

The afternoon was a very deeply moving experience for all involved, many of whom have attended previous similar flower throwing ceremonies in years past and are still struggling with escaping the cycle of endless violence and abuse in their lives.
Organized by the Elizabeth Fry Society, the flower throwing ceremony is the last event in the Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in Prince George, a yearly event that draws attention from around the country.

Participants are encouraged to speak the names of the loved ones they miss and have lost to family violence and abuse as they throw their carnations into the stream, to give each victim a name, pay tribute to and remember victims of violence and abuse that have fallen in the struggle.

The week has had an affect on many participants over the years it has been held, bringing hope and life back into the lives of individuals who have been through trials and tribulations no human should have to endure. The cycle of violence in the family continues to be a concern and events such as this week long get together can only help to shed light on an area of social and cultural life in Canada, most Canadians don’t want to talk about.

Bullies are everywhere in the world, and Canada has its share, often the bully only comes out in a person due to stresses none of us have any control over and often family stresses are some of the most intense and emotional ones we as humans will experience.
In such a case, there is always going to be individuals choosing inappropriate ways to deal with stresses and problems and often they take it out on those they love the most.