NLIS 1
December 5, 2003
(Executive Council)

 

Minister recognizes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, today recognized the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day commemorates the sad anniversary of the murder of 14 women on December 6, 1989 at Montreal�s l�Ecole Polytechnique engineering school. These women were killed because of their gender and because they studied engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men.

"As we remember these 14 women today, and the many other women and girls who are victims of violence in this province every year, let us also remember Anna Marie Lucas, who was murdered earlier this year, and Nellie Nippard Murphy who died on Saturday after a long battle with cancer," said Minister Burke.

"Nellie was a well-known victims� rights advocate who was stabbed 33 times and left to die by her husband in 1990. Not only did she survive this brutal attack, but she went on to make preventing violence against women her personal campaign. Her courage and her strength will certainly be missed."

Minister Burke said government will continue to join with community partners across the province on behalf of women like Anna Marie and Nellie to work towards safe, healthy communities where citizens are not exposed to violence or the threat of violence.

The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) works to reduce violence, improve coordination and delivery of government services and programs for victims and enhance violence prevention initiatives at the community level. It focuses on women, children and the elderly, as well as those who may be victims of violence because of their ability, race, sexual orientation or economic status.

"It is commonly known that violence has its roots in inequality," said Minister Burke. "As the Status of Women Minister, I am committed to addressing the inequalities that cause women to become targets of violent crime.

"It is important that this day not only be one of remembrance, but also one of action. While we as individuals are not responsible for the acts of violence committed by others, we are responsible for our own actions which hinder equality and tolerate or encourage violence. We all have a role to play in violence prevention."

As a memorial to these 14 women, and to all women who have lost their lives to violence, the flags of Confederation Building will be flown at half mast on Saturday.

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

2003 12 05                                         10:15 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement