Dr. Zita Somakoko is breaking the silence on domestic violence in Manitoba.

Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence Movement (BSDVM) is an awareness movement created in November 2015 by domestic violence survivors and founded by Somakoko.

BSDVM reports that Manitoba consistently records the highest rate of intimate partner violence in Canada since 2011

Somakoko says, "Our ultimate goal is to bring all concerned parties to work collaboratively to eradicate any form of violence against women and girls in our city, province particularly in our schools and communities of faith."

On November 15, BSDVM is inviting everyone to the United Way at 6:30 p.m. for a forum discussion on this issue facing Manitobans. This year's topic: femicide.

"Initially we have identified that domestic violence is a very challenging topic that people shy away from, " says Somakoko.

The forum is a chance for people to, "have a platform to express themselves in a very safe environment and that will bring the community together."

Somakoko says the greatest challenge in fighting the issue of domestic violence is the "epidemic of violence" on the topic.

She calls Christians to action: "As the body of Christ, we are called to protect, we are called to encourage. Sadly, domestic violence is still a silent epidemic in the body of Christ."

Somakoko says, in her experience, there are people who are completely unaware of the issue of domestic violence while some others are trying to avoid the uncomfortable topic.

BSDVM, says Somakoko, "is not here to point fingers or cast blame. We are willing to offer churches practical tools on how to deal with this issue."

The group offers free training on how to help victims, perpetrators, and what signs to look for, for churches who are interested. Somakoko also suggests preaching against domestic violence from the pulpit on a Sunday morning or just being more open about the discussion in your church community.

"If you don't talk about it in your churches, chances are people cannot feel comfortable coming to you for help," she says.

Making room and providing a safe space for people to come to their church leaders and pastors is the best place to start.

"If you do that, I am telling you, people will come."