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Executive Council
February 2, 2009

Taking Action Against Violence
February is Violence Prevention Month

As part of Violence Prevention Month, partners in violence prevention are joining forces throughout February to raise awareness of violence against the more vulnerable in society by hosting events and activities in communities across the province.

"The Provincial Government and community organizations work hard year-round to eliminate violence in our province," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "To raise awareness of this significant social issue in our province, we have designated February as Violence Prevention Month to encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take action against violence."

Violence can be physical, sexual, financial, verbal and/or emotional and can occur in intimate and non-intimate relationships. Statistics show that women, children, seniors and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable to violence, with women experiencing the highest rates of violence. Violence against women also tends to be more severe and frequent, with greater physical and psychological injuries.

"In 2008, we saw some horrific cases of violence and violence resulting in death," said Minister Dunderdale. "These devastating occurrences provide tangible proof of the severity of the issue. Violence Prevention Month is designed to educate people about the different types of violence, how it affects people and how to help eliminate it."

The VPI is the Provincial Government's $9.2-million strategy to raise awareness of violence, support victims and find long-term solutions to eliminate violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. One component of the initiative is a partnership with 10 regional co-ordinating committees established across the province. This work increases public awareness and accountability, opportunities for information sharing on best practices and improved delivery of violence prevention services.

In recognition of Violence Prevention Month, the regional co-ordinating committees are planning events and activities in their regions to appeal to a wide range of audiences - from children and youth, to women and older persons. Several regions will also host events with Brian Vallee, best-selling author of Life with Billy and War on Women, who will speak specifically about violence against women.

"I encourage everyone to participate in the violence prevention activities happening in their communities," said Minister Dunderdale. "I also want to welcome Mr. Vallee back to the province. He shared some of the hard-hitting facts about violence against women during our recent provincial Violence Prevention Conference and I am pleased that he is coming back to the province for Violence Prevention Month."

Information about violence prevention and a listing of Violence Prevention Month activities across the province can be obtained from regional coordinating committees:

Violence Prevention Labrador - 709-931-2600
Western Regional Coalition to End Violence - 709-634-6606
Northern Committee Against Violence - 709-454-3351
Central West Committee Against Violence - 709-489-8828
Eastern Region Committee Against Violence - 709-466-4676
Coalition Against Violence (Eastern Avalon) - 709-757-0137
Southwestern Coalition to End Violence - 709-643-5399
Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence - 709-279-4030
The Roads to End Violence (Gander/New-Wes-Valley) - 709-651-2250
Communities Against Violence (Conception Bay North) - 709-786-7182 Ext. 225

For more information about the Violence Prevention Initiative, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.

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Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, were joined by VPI community partners to proclaim February as Violence Prevention Month.

Media contact:
Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women's Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca


BACKGROUNDER
Brian Vallee Newfoundland Engagement Schedule

Date & Time Location Contact
Sunday, February 15 8:00 p.m. Stephenville
College of the North Atlantic
Lecture Theatre
Bernice Hancock
bsgcacnf@nfld.net
709-643-5399
Monday,February 16 8:00 p.m. Corner Brook
College of the North Atlantic
Lecture Theatre
Victoria Warren
wrcev@nf.aibn.com

709-634-6606
Tuesday, February 17 Time: TBD Clarenville
Venue: To be
Determined.
Laurie Smith
ercav@gov.nl.ca
709-466-4676
Friday,February 20 7:00 p.m. St. John's
Foran Room
St. John's City hall
Vyda Ng
cavae@coalitionagainstviolence.ca
709-757-0137

2009 02 02                                                   3:10 p.m.


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