Awareness and Action Key to Combating Violence

Executive Council
July 18, 2007
Awareness and Action Key to Combating Violence

Significant work is being done in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness that violence is unacceptable, noted the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), in light of recent violent acts in the province.

"The recent sexual assault in St. John�s and child pornography case in Grand Falls-Windsor are just two examples of violent acts that occur throughout Newfoundland and Labrador each and every day," said Minister Burke. "The fact is that only approximately eight per cent of all sexual assaults are reported to police. The public must be made aware that violence can take place in schools, in all social settings, and often in the security of one�s own home. As a community, we must collectively stand up against violence and reach out to help victims."

In Budget 2007, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador increased funding to the VPI to $9.2 million over six years to support anti-violence activities at both the government and community levels. The initiative brings together 10 Provincial Government departments and agencies and approximately 30 community groups to decrease the incidence of violence in the province.

"The Provincial Government and community groups and agencies are working together to combat violence and instill an understanding that any form of violence should not be tolerated," said Minister Burke. "By educating the people of this province about the realities of violence and establishing a zero tolerance level we hope to dramatically reduce the occurrence of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Funding for Regional Coordinating Committees (RCCs) under the VPI was doubled in Budget 2007 and the number of committees increased from six to 10. The RCC�s work in regions across the province to educate the public about violence, and actions and activities to stop it. New RCCs are now established in Burin, Marystown, Stephenville and Carbonear. Regional Coordinating Committees recently led a number of anti-violence projects, including a campaign in St. John�s educating women about the dangers of the date rape drug, and a "Caught You Caring" campaign in the Gander area, encouraging primary and elementary students to display acts of caring in place of aggression.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also launched its youth violence prevention campaign in May 2007. This campaign includes posters, a Web site (outragenl.ca) and television advertisements. Advertisements ran on a number of television channels in the province throughout the month of May and June and will begin airing again in late August.

In addition to the youth campaign, the Department of Education has implemented the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative into schools across Newfoundland and Labrador. The Initiative is designed to develop programs aimed at early intervention and education on violence prevention, and to develop safe and caring learning environments in all schools.

"Combating violence is everyone�s responsibility. The Provincial Government will continue to support efforts to prevent violence and to work with all community groups to raise awareness about this important issue. We must strive to be leaders in making our communities safe," said Minister Burke.

For more information on the occurrence of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Violence Prevention Initiative please visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/ or outragenl.ca.

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Media contact:
Michelle Hynes
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-2125
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Budget 2007 Investments for Violence Prevention Initiative

$100,000 in additional funding to 10 Regional Coordinating Committees, increasing annual funding from $55,000 to $65,000. Regional Coordinating Committees were created to lead violence prevention activities on the regional level.

$30,000 in additional funding to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, increasing funding from $70,000 to $100,000 annually. The centre is a non-profit organization that exists to provide support and essential services to anyone impacted by sexual violence.

$10,000 in additional funding to the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL), increasing funding from $65,000 to $75,000 annually. THANL is an umbrella organization for transition and safe houses across Newfoundland and Labrador that make a significant contribution to violence prevention each year.

$20,000 increased funding for the Violence Prevention Initiative Annual Stakeholders Conference, bringing funding to $50,000 annually. This year�s conference is planned for November. Partners of the Violence Prevention Initiative will come together to discuss methods for reducing violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

$40,000 to support the anti-violence social marketing campaign. The Provincial Government has acted on its commitment to create a violence prevention marketing campaign to raise awareness about violence prevention. In May 2007, the youth violence prevention campaign was launched. Future campaigns will focus on combating violence against children, older adults, women, persons with disabilities, and persons with differing sexual orientations.

$20,000 to support the Rural Secretariat database. This work will focus on a coordinated research effort, including improved data collection on victims of violence and conducting a victim�s client service survey to identify baseline information and indicators of violence.

$20,000 for increased justice translation services. The Department of Justice will begin work to improve translation services for Aboriginal people in the justice system. A comprehensive review of the services required for women and children in transition will focus on what services are needed for Aboriginal women and children.

$148,000 to support the research needs of the Violence Prevention Initiative. This funding will be used to create a senior research and policy analyst position for the Violence Prevention Initiative as well as to research the needs of children witnessing violence.

$10,000 in educational materials and supplies to promote violence prevention. This funding will go to the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative to ensure a safe learning environment in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador.

2007 07 18 3:55 p.m.

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