Executive Council
Health and Community Services
January 29, 2008

Ministers Outline New Research Project on Impacts of Family Violence

The Provincial Government recognizes that family violence is a serious problem in Newfoundland and Labrador and has initiated a research project on the issue. The project is an examination of existing research relating to the emotional and psychological impacts of family violence on children in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Joan Burke, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) and Minister of Education, and the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, explained today the intent of the research project, given the lack of understanding by Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones regarding a recent Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Women�s Policy Office and the Department of Health and Community Services.

�A compilation of existing provincial and national research and literature on the impacts of family violence on children will serve to educate professionals such as teachers, social workers, policy-makers and community stakeholders,� said Minister Burke. �This in turn will help these professionals better serve the child. This project is a small piece of our comprehensive, $9.2 million Violence Prevention Initiative. This particular project will help all those involved with this serious issue to be fully informed about current literature before making decisions that could change important policies, programs or services.�

In addition to providing a comprehensive resource for those who work to prevent family violence, the study will help identify gaps in research, services, programs and policies relating to the topic.

�The impacts of family violence can be devastating and it is essential that we are fully aware of what the current research tells us about these impacts, which is the focus of this project,� said Minister Wiseman. �Contrary to the Oppositions Leader�s misinformation, this initiative was never designed to be a thorough review of this issue, but rather a look at what is currently known about the consequences of violence within families. The information gathered in this project will be valuable as we continue efforts to combat violence in the communities and homes of this province.�

The 2006-2012 VPI Action Plan indicates that violence has devastating long-term effects on its victims. One of the strategic priorities of the plan is to increase research and development surrounding the psychological and emotional impacts of family violence on children. This will result in a greater level of understanding and will help prevent violence in the long-term.

With the support of an additional $2.7 million in funding in just two years, many initiatives are underway to raise awareness about violence prevention, such as family violence, including the creation of an activity book for children going through the court system, and the evaluation and monitoring of the implementation of the Family Violence Protection Act.

To find out more about the Violence Prevention Initiative visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi

-30-

Media contacts:

2008 01 29                                 5:00 p.m.