The following statement was issued today by Julie Bettney, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the anniversary of the murder of 14 women at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique engineering school. This date is a stark reminder of the many women in Newfoundland and Labrador who are beaten, sexually assaulted and, in some cases, murdered every year. We must also remember that there are many more women in our province who live in fear of violence every day of their lives.

A study on violence against women conducted by Statistics Canada in 1993 found that one in three Newfoundland and Labrador women reported experiencing physical and/or sexual assault since the age of 16. The study also found that only 14 per cent of Canadian women surveyed reported the violent incident to the police and only nine per cent sought support from social service agencies.

In commemoration of the women who lost their lives in the Montreal Massacre and those who are victims of violence in our own province, you will find a display in the main lobby of the East Block and outside the cafeteria of the West Block of Confederation Building which I invite you to visit today. Each display provides a listing of the names of the women who were murdered in Montreal, statistics and press clippings on violence against women, and copies of a bookmark published by Women's Policy Office which provides tips as to how we, as individuals, can do our part to eliminate violence against women. You will also find buttons at each of these displays which are being used to raise funds for the Provincial Association Against Family Violence.

Some of you may also wish to attend the commemorative program which takes place this evening at the MUN Engineering Lecture Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature a service commemorating the 14 young women slain in Montreal and a discussion of anti-violence activities to be undertaken by organizations and individuals in the coming year.

As many of you know, last June we announced the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Strategy Against Violence. The five-year strategy, entitled "Towards the Year 2000," was developed by the Women's Policy Office and the Departments of Social Services, Health, Justice, and Education in consultation with the community. Prevention of violence and the provision of quality service to victims of violence are the two main goals of the action plan. Some of the most recent initiatives undertaken by the strategy's coordinating team include the establishment of regional coordinating committees, the initiation of pilot projects for service delivery, and the development of a public awareness campaign. You may have noted some of the radio advertising surrounding today's date. A more extensive media campaign will be held in February which has been designated as Violence Prevention Month.

This is one way government is showing its commitment to eliminating violence against women. At the Provincial Women's Lobby in October, government also committed to becoming better educated on the issue of violence. The Premier has written each government member recommending he or she meet with community groups to learn more about violence against women, and discuss how we may show leadership in raising public awareness. I would encourage all members to do the same.

While we are not responsible for the actions of men who commit violent acts against women, we are responsible for what we say and do everyday that hinders equality and encourages violence. As we remember these 14 women today, let us commit to daily actions that will make a difference in women's lives. Each and every one of us has an important role to play in eliminating violence in our province, both "Towards the Year 2000" and beyond.