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Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 4, 2009

Provincial Government Supports Safe Haven for Women and Children on North Coast of Labrador

The Provincial Government is supporting the Rigolet Partnership Against Family Violence in providing a safe house for women and children experiencing family violence in the community of Rigolet, Labrador.

Under the Aboriginal Women�s Violence Prevention Grants Program of the Violence Prevention Initiative, the province is contributing $30,000 to support necessary renovations to the future site of the shelter.

"Everyone deserves to live freely and feel safe, especially in their own home," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "For those experiencing family violence, these basic human rights are taken away. This is an important project and we are confident that this safe house will make a real difference in this community by providing a safe haven for women and children, as well as educating its residents about violence prevention."

"This funding is a recognition of the tireless efforts of the Rigolet Partnership Against Family Violence," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, who announced the funding while addressing delegates at the Provincial Aboriginal Women�s Conference in Gander. "Before any journey of healing can begin, women and children in Rigolet who are experiencing family violence require a sanctuary to ensure their safety − this safe house can be that sanctuary."

The Violence Prevention Initiative is the province�s $9.2-million, six-year strategy to combat violence in the province. The Aboriginal Women�s Violence Prevention Grants Program addresses a priority action item determined at the first National Aboriginal Women�s Summit in Corner Brook in June 2007. During the summit, it was recognized that increased financial resources for family violence prevention initiatives and abuse prevention are necessary to improve the quality of life and well-being of Aboriginal women and families. This year, a total of $157,600 is being invested in eight projects across the province.

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Media contacts:

Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2009 03 04                                                     10:25 a.m.
 


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