Additional funds for transition houses

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced an additional $250,000 for the Transition House Program for 2002-2003.

Over 1,000 women and children stayed at transition houses in 2000-2001 and many more used the crisis phone lines. "There is significant need for increased funding to maintain and enhance the services offered to women and their children who are victims of violence," said Minister Bettney. "It is very important when women and their children leave a violent environment, they can go to a safe and secure place."

The Transition House Program began in the late 1970s when women�s groups began to advocate for secure places for women and their children who were leaving violent households. Women and children stay in shelters for varying periods of time, sometimes for up to six weeks.

"Along with providing women and children with shelter and a safe place, the staff of Transition Houses provide women and their children with emotional supports and link them to community services," said the minister. "Women can access counseling, financial and legal services, housing and community support programs. We help women and children take control of their lives."

Government provides $2.5 million in direct operational funding on an annual basis to fund Transition House Program facilities in St. John�s, Marystown, Gander, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Wabush-Labrador City, and Nain.

A significant portion of the funding announced in Budget 2002 will go to the Labrador region. It will enhance services in Labrador West and coastal Labrador. One of the biggest challenges is providing safe housing and support for women in small isolated communities, as well as, respecting the special needs in Aboriginal communities.

Sandra Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is pleased with today�s announcement. "Women�s groups have been lobbying for better shelters in Labrador, especially in Labrador West and coastal communities," said Minister Kelly. "This increased funding is an important step in meeting critical needs which have been identified."

Minister Kelly said government is working with the Provincial Association Against Family Violence and community stakeholders to look at alternative models for shelters in Northern and Aboriginal communities.

In addition to the enhancements for Labrador, the funding will support training and security in the following transition houses:

• Iris Kirby House, St. John�s;
• Grace Sparkes House, Marystown;
• CARA House, Gander;
• Committe on Family Violence, Corner Brook;
• Libra House, Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• Family Crisis Shelter, Labrador City; and,
• Nain Women�s Shelter, Nain.

Finding solutions to violence will continue to be an important issue for government. To address the problem of violence in this province the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador established the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI).

"This initiative is a multi-departmental, government-community partnership aimed at finding long-term solutions to the problem of violence against women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable people," said Minister Bettney. "The Transition House Program provides support to the goals of the VPI and is in line with government�s commitment to communities through its Strategic Social Plan."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-1377.

2002 03 21                               3:10 p.m.