Activities and special events to raise awareness about the issue of violence will be increased across Newfoundland and Labrador in observance of Violence Prevention Month 2008.

"Government and community groups work throughout the year to educate people about violence and create an understanding that each of us can help end violence," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Violence Prevention Month is an opportunity to highlight the issue and for everyone to learn how to help eliminate violence in our province. Safety, dignity and freedom from the threat of violence are rights we should all enjoy."

Minister Burke stated that devastating events such as the recent murder-suicide in Summerford serve as a harsh wake-up call to the amount and seriousness of violence that occurs. "I would like everyone to use this month to raise their individual level of awareness about violence and commit to reaching out to someone they may know who is impacted by violence."

Minister Burke was joined by members of the Coalition Against Violence (Eastern Avalon) to proclaim February as Violence Prevention Month. The committee is one of 10 regional co-ordinating committees created under the VPI to increase public awareness and accountability, increase opportunities for information sharing on best practices and work to improve service delivery of violence prevention services.

"The key to violence prevention lies in each of us. If we want to live in communities that are free of violence, we have to commit to stand up for equality, and to challenge any injustices that we see aimed at our friends, neighbours, co-workers, and fellow citizens. It requires us to step outside of our comfort zones, and be an active part of the solution," said Vyda Ng, Co-ordinator of the Coalition Against Violence (Eastern Avalon).

According to Canadian statistics, women, children, seniors and persons with disabilities are most vulnerable to violence, with women experiencing the highest rates of violence in all groups. Violence against women also tends to be more severe, frequent and cause more serious physical and psychological injury. Aboriginal women and children face three times more violence in their homes and in their communities than those in the general population.

The VPI is the Provincial Governments $9.2 million plan of action to raise awareness, support victims and find long-term solutions to the problem of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. A key element of the initiative is the partnership with community-based groups that are established across the province.

"I encourage everyone to take time this month to learn how to become involved in violence prevention activities in your community and to take steps to reduce, and ultimately, end violence" said Minister Burke.

For more information about the VPI, visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi. To learn how you can get involved in violence prevention in your community, or for a listing of violence prevention activities taking place throughout February, contact your local VPI Regional Coordinating Committee:

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Photo#1:
The Honourable Joan Burke, Lead Minister of the VPI and Minister of Education was joined by members of the Coalition Against Violence to proclaim February as Violence Prevention Month: (left to right) Lanie Woodford, Minister Joan Burke and Vyda Ng.

Photo#2:
Violence Prevention Ministers: (front, left to right) the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, (back, left to right) the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minster of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services and the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice.

Media contact:

Michelle Hynes-Dawson
Communications and Policy Analyst
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-2125
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca

2008 02 01                                                   11:00 a.m.