"Kamal Dhillon has worked tirelessly to support women who, like herself, have been victims of domestic violence. Her courage to speak publically about the challenges victims face helps better prepare front-line workers and ensures vulnerable women get the support and protection they need," said Premier Christy Clark.

By PD Raj

LANGLEY – Indo-Canadian woman who suffered severe domestic abuse and who has become an outspoken proponent of cultural change in the community has been awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship.                            

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Environment Minister Mary Polak, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, presented Kamal Dhillon, a courageous Langley citizen, with the province's newest honour recently.

"Kamal Dhillon has worked tirelessly to support women who, like herself, have been victims of domestic violence. Her courage to speak publically about the challenges victims face helps better prepare front-line workers and ensures vulnerable women get the support and protection they need," said Premier Christy Clark.

Dhillon, who is a survivor of severe domestic violence, was honoured with the medal for her courage to transcend her suffering from domestic violence to bring a powerful message to the public about domestic violence, offer hope to other victims, and to advocate for changes in laws.

"For so long I was damaged, I was broken, I was left for dead, and I had huge trust issues. But I have learned to forgive and moved beyond the losses, abuse, betrayal, injustice and misfortune. I will not let my past define me. I came this far not to give up. I am determined to overcome and be a change agent. Thank you for bestowing this huge honour of Medal of Good Citizenship. It makes me even more determined to continue my work," said Dhillon.

Dhillon's service to community and countless hours of volunteering include support to victims of domestic violence and willingness to travel to conferences and communities where she brings awareness of the devastation exacted by domestic violence to classrooms, police departments, business and community organizaions, and churches. Whether speaking to officials at the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, or a local group of educators, her inspirational message brings understanding to the complex issue, and hope to victims of domestic violence.

"The work that Kamal Dhillon has done to support women who have been abused puts the spotlight on the issue both here at home and in many other jurisdictions. Despite ongoing health challenges, she has stead-fastedly envisioned a society where women are valued and treated with respect, and laws and services are there to protect them," Polak said

Although Dhillon still has residual suffering from her injuries, she remains a tireless advocate for changes in laws, better services for victims, and training for police, social workers, educators and others who may see evidence of someone being abused. In particular she lobbied for the federal government to bring in the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act and today would still like those laws to be toughened. Her personal story, told in her book Black and Blue Sari, has raised the issue on the international front and helped those on the front line to better recognize domestic abuse and provide victims with the support they need.

The ceremony was held last Tuesday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at the Douglas Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Crescent.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.

Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

Dhillon is among a select group of British Columbians who received the Medal of Good Citizenship this year.

Quick Facts:

* The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.

* Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

* All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional