Rowan House will host a free screening of a film that has been gaining a lot of notoriety as part of its Family Violence Prevention Month.

On Tuesday, November 21, the film, "A Better Man" will play at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre in Okotoks, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Community Relations Coordinator for Rowan House Ally Cramm, says the film takes a unique look at the issue of domestic violence.

"While there's no excuse for domestic violence, it's a choice that is made by the abuser. It just shows that growing up in the cycle of violence you may not realize the choice you are making is wrong. It kind of opens up a unique dialogue about what can happen when perpetrators take responsibility for their abuse. Basically this filmmaker, she confronts her abuser on film with his permission, and it just provides a different perspective."

The Canadian made documentary was released in April, and has been gaining traction at film festivals internationally.

Cramm says she's excited about the screening, as the film speaks to the importance of early intervention, and services provided by the Rowan House's Preventative Education program.

"We talk to students about friendship, empathy and bullying. As they get a bit older we start to talk about dating violence and healthy relationships. We are really going in and teaching them that abuse is wrong and different things that they might not think are abuse but actually are, and red flags."

November is Family Violence Prevention Month for the Rowan House and Cramm says overall they've seen great participation from the community in their initiatives.

"It has been really great! We've had a lot of engagement with our information being shared on social media, and a lot of feedback and sharing of pictures of people lacing up for Rowan House with the purple shoe laces. I think people are getting involved and it's pretty exciting for us to see."