Page 3, Tesedlay. Dee. 1, 1992, News Helping to end the cycle of wife assault by Darren MacDonald Staff Wife assault is as much a problem in Schreiber and Ter- race Bay as it is anywhere else, Says outreach worker Donna Mikeluk. : "The stats are saying that one out of every six women is abused, and I think those stats are typical right across the board, wherever you live," she says. Mikeluk is the outreach worker for Schreiber and Ter- race Bay. That-means her duties include providing assis- tance to women who have been abused; acting as a link to Mar- jorie House, which is a shelter for abused women and their children; and educating the public on the plight of these women. November was Wife Assault Prevention Month, and as part of the month's activities, videos on the subject of wife assault were played on the community channel in Terrace Bay. Also, a billboard with Marjorie House's phone num- ber has been erected in Terrace Bay, and one is being planned for Schreiber as well. "At our last meeting, the Director's Report said we have had over 100 per cent occupan- _ cy for over two months," says Jeannine Pineau. Pineau is a member of Mar- jorie House's Board of Direc- tors, which consists of two rep- resentatives from Mani- touwadge, Marathon, Terrace Bay and Schreiber. Marjorie House itself is located in Marathon, and is named after a woman who took refuge there but has since died. The house provides shel- ter for a maximum of six weeks. "The house is full every night--it's a tough time of year," says Pineau. "In the fall freeze up and during the spring thaw, I would say there's more cases," says Mikeluk. Many woman may wait for the change of seasons before finally leaving an abusive spouse, she says. "A lot of woman may leave at the end of a school year, because they don't want to dis- rupt the children while they're in school," she says. From left, Outreach Worker Donna Mikeluk with Marjorie House Board Members Cathie Smith, Jeannine Pineau, Elizabeth Singleton and Doris Walton. Holiday times are also busi- -er because of the added stress, says Mikeluk. "Abuse is a cycle," she says. "It starts off with a lot of stress and tension building up until there's an explosion where the actual physical abuse takes place," she says. "Some of the expressions woman use to describe this time are 'I feel like I'm walk- ing on eggshells," and 'No matter what I do, it's not good enough." After the explosion, Mikeluk says there's a period called the 'honeymoon phase'. "The batterer will say things like 'I'm sorry for what I've done, I'll never do it again,'" she says. "They'll give gifts and do anything they can do to try and smooth things over." But the cycle begins all over again as the stress and tension in house builds up toward another explosion. "The cycle can take place anywhere from a couple of times a year to a daily basis," says Mikeluk. "It's a learned way of behaving and dealing with stress." BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Fred, Lucy & Stephen Figliomeni are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of their new addition, MIRANDA MARIE, born November 12, 1992, weighing 5 tbs, 12 oz. Proud grandparents are Vincenzo Figliomeni and Giuseppe & Melina Costa. Special thank you to. Dr K.W. Wilkes and Dr. Lisa Hicks and all the nurses at the McCausland Hospital for the excellent care we received, Marjorie House has its ori- gins in 1982 when a study showed that there was nowhere for victims.to go for help in the North Shore. Funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices and the Municipalities, the North Shore Family Resource Centre opened in May of 1986. It was renamed Marjorie House because, as Jeannine Pineau says, the original name "was a mouthful. "And most of the other homes are named after people as well," she says. The centre is always in need of items they give to woman for "start up," which is the period after they leave both their abusive spouses and Mar- jorie House. "When a women comes to the house, often times they won't have had time to pack, so they have nothing with The McCausland Hosptial's Cash Calendar winners Week: Forty-Eight Nov. 23: Knights of Columbus, Terrace Bay, $10 Nov. 24: Syivie Angus, Terrace Bay, $10 Nov. 25: M.E. Bouchie, Terrace Bay, $10 Nov. 26: E. MacKay, Terrace Bay, $10 Nov. 27 : D'Arcy Wilson, Terrace Bay, $10 Nov. 28: Linda Speziale, Schreiber, $50 Nov. 29: Fern Luke, Terrace Bay, $10 This space donated by the Terrace Bay/Schreiber News them," says Mikeluk. "So in the basement we have a large Other items they always storage room where we keep need include bedding, dishes clothing for them." and towels, she says. » THE SEWING NOOK is having a CHRISTMAS PARTY for friends and customers of all ages ! On Thursday, Dec. 3/92 10 am- 9 pm Come join Elise & Debbie for a Christmas Cheer of hot apple cider. ALL PURCHASES WILL BE GST & PST EXEMPT FOR THIS DAY ONLY , SEW Come on in and see our wide ¢ selection of Fabrics, ribbons & faces plus our craft supplies for ' your crafty ideas. 7 A Gift Certificate from our store to ' your favourite crafter and sewer would be a great stocking stuffer Visa Accepted TOWNSHIP OF SCHREIBER The Township of Schreiber will be awarding prizes for the best , Christmas decorated home. First Prize $100.00 Second Prize $75.00 Third Prize $50.00 Judging will be done December 23 to 31, 1991. 2, go Me ge we x s oo &