Minister proclaims Violence Prevention Month

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today proclaimed February as Violence Prevention Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As lead minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative, Minister Burke is pleased to work with partner ministers who are responsible for Education, Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, Health and Community Services, Justice, Labrador Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, the Strategic Social Plan and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation in setting aside February as a month to raise awareness about violence in our communities.

Community partners for the Violence Prevention Initiative include the Provincial Association Against Family Violence, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Seniors Resource Centre, the Citizens� Crime Prevention Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and six regional coordinating committees.

"It is vital that government and the community continue to work together to improve services for victims of violence and to educate all residents of our province about the various aspects of violence and violence prevention," said Minister Burke. "An important part of preventing violence is changing values and attitudes."

A key point is that most often abuse takes place in the context of an ongoing relationship � between intimate partners, in the family unit, at school or the workplace. Also, the roots of violence are generally found in inequality creating an imbalance of power which allows abuse to continue, often escalating over time. For this reason, it is commonly directed at women, children, elders and those distinguished by race, religion, ethnicity, ability or sexual orientation. Since a great deal of violence occurs in the context of close private relationships where fear and shame create secrecy, the extent of violence in our society is often hidden.

"This problem requires a comprehensive response, including prevention, public education, services and enforcement of the law," said Minister Burke. "In conquering violence, we will need to protect the victims, hold abusers accountable and eliminate inequality. I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize that violence prevention is everyone�s responsibility and to support violence prevention activities in their community."

Further information on Violence Prevention Month can be obtained by calling Mona Wall, Manager of the Violence Prevention Initiative, at (709) 729-5730.

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

2004 01 30                                        12:45 p.m.