Minister proclaims Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Yvonne Jones, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, met today, September 15, with representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre Inc. to proclaim the week of September 14-19 as Sexual Violence Awareness Week in the province.

Sexual violence can take many forms including date rape, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Women are by far the majority of victims. In 2002, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reported that approximately 75 per cent of sexual assault victims were women and they also make up 85 per cent of harassment victims. On a national scale, more than half of Canadian women have suffered at least one act of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16, and over a quarter have been assaulted by a spouse. Female victims of spousal abuse are more likely then male victims to suffer life-threatening attacks and repeated victimizations, as well as physical injury and sexual assault.

"In addition to the staggering human costs associated with this problem, it is estimated that violence against women costs at least $4.2 billion per year nationally in social services, education, criminal justice, labour, employment, health and medical costs," said Minister Jones. "It is vital for everyone to work together to raise awareness of violence and undertake steps to help reduce violence so that residents of our province can live in safe, caring communities where violence towards women is unacceptable.

"As chair of the Minister�s Committee for the Violence Prevention Initiative, I am pleased to work in partnership with a number of government departments and community organizations, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, to meet this goal."

During this week, the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre Inc. has organized a number of events including a silent auction, a benefit concert for the centre, and a youth poster making night. The week culminates with the annual Take Back the Night March and Rally on the steps of City Hall on Friday, September 19.
"Government continues its commitment to finding long-term solutions to the problem of violence against vulnerable people in this province," said Minister Jones. "I encourage all residents of this province to become involved in the activities of this week and to determine what they can do to help end violence against women and in their communities."

Further information on the Sexual Violence Awareness Week activities can be obtained by calling (709) 738-2770.

Photo #1: Yvonne Jones, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has proclaimed September 14-19 as Sexual Violence Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Joining her for the proclamation were Jodi Shannahan, Executive Director, and Ashley Pretty, Outreach Assistant, both with the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.

Media contact: Kelly Foss, Communications - Women�s Policy Office (709) 729-6225.

2003 09 15                                       11:45 a.m.