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