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Issued by the Coalition Against Violence
October 28, 2009

Project Launched to Remember Women Killed in Domestic Homicides

The Silent Witness Project, an initiative to remember women who have been killed in domestic homicides, was launched simultaneously today in Gander, Labrador and St. John�s by the Newfoundland and Labrador Silent Witness Committee.

The project�s purpose is to create awareness about the nature and effects of domestic violence, and to promote action to end all forms of violence in our communities. The project consists of red, life-sized wooden silhouettes, each representing a woman who was killed by a partner, ex-partner or intimate acquaintance. The silhouettes are called Silent Witnesses as the women they represent no longer have a chance to speak for themselves.

Spousal homicides account for about one in five homicides in Canada. Almost 80 per cent of women in Newfoundland and Labrador who experience violence are most likely to be victimized by a spouse, ex-partner or ex-common-law spouse. In the past 20 years, more than 20 women have been killed in a domestic homicide in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Janet O�Donnell, of Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, warned that the most dangerous time for a woman and her children is during separation. "Fear is the biggest reason that ties a woman to an abusive relationship. She is afraid that if she leaves, the abuser will hurt her and her children." O�Donnell added that a woman should seek safety when leaving, in a place that is secure or not known to her abuser.

"It is up to all of us to see that no more women die at the hands of their partners and ex-partners," said Linda Ross, President of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "We � women, men, youth and children - have to be involved in stopping attitudes that treat women as less than equal and that allow domestic violence to continue. We need to take that extra step to act when we suspect abuse in the home of someone we know."

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, referred to the campaign to prevent male violence against women that was recently launched by the province�s Violence Prevention Initiative. "Violence is rooted in inequality and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador understands this factor as one of the main causes of violence against women and other vulnerable populations," said Minister Dunderdale. "Through our latest campaign, we are encouraging men to teach the young boys in their lives to treat women with fairness, equality and respect. I call upon the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to play a role in ending all forms of violence against women."

 "Men�s involvement is necessary in ending violence against women," adds Costa Kasimos, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood � NL Sexual Health Centre. "Many see it as a women�s issue, when in fact, it�s a matter that affects us all � the woman, the man who is abusive, relatives, friends, neighbours, teachers, employers, and the health care system. It especially affects children who witness violent behaviour in their homes."

In his book "War On Women," Brian Vallee quotes Andrew Klein in a report to the House of Representatives: "Domestic violence is not about relationships � It is about abusers and their use of violence� Abusers do not strike their partners because they are out of control. They strike their partners to maintain control over them; humiliate and debase them; isolate them; or punish them for asserting their independence."

The launch profiled several Newfoundland and Labrador women who have been murdered in the last 20 years, and was organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Silent Witness Committee.

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Media contacts:

Vyda Ng
Coordinator
Coalition Against Violence�Avalon East
709-757-0137
cavae@coalitionagainstviolence.ca                
Costa Kasimos
Executive Director
Planned Parenthood�NL Sexual Health Centre
709-579-1009
executivedirector@nlsexualhealthcentre.org
Janet O�Donnelll
Executive Director
Libra House � Happy Valley-Goose Bay         
709-896-8022
librahouse@nf.aibn.com                                    
Mary Lynn Brinson
Coordinator
The Roads to End Violence
709-651-2250
theroadstoendviolence@nf.aibn.com
Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca

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