As part of a four-year project under the Provincial Government's Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued for materials to assist in the prevention of violence against older persons.

"We believe older persons should be able to live free of fear, exploitation and violence, in safe and supportive communities everywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Through this project, we will work to promote training to recognize, prevent and intervene in violence against older persons, as well as raise awareness about the issue of violence against older persons and change attitudes to make it unacceptable."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Violence Prevention Initiative Action Plan, Taking Action Against Violence 2006-2012, is committed to increasing public awareness about violence, violence prevention, and services available to victims of violence. Reflecting this commitment, the Provincial Government invested $2 million in the VPI in Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our Future.

The four-year project is a joint initiative with the Department of Health and Community Services' Office for Aging and Seniors.

"A key priority in our Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework is to improve legislation, policies, programs and services which work toward older adults being free from violence and neglect," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "In partnership with the Provincial Government's VPI, we are committed to revising policies as they relate to violence against older persons."

The materials to be developed, which include an education and training manual, trainer's guide and resource CD, will assist adults, older adults, families of older adults, youth, and people in many professional settings reduce and prevent violence against older persons.

The deadline for submissions for this RFP is Monday, August 30, 2010.

The Violence Prevention Initiative is a six-year, multi-departmental, government-community partnership to find long-term solutions to violence against those most at risk in society. The initiative involves 11 government departments and agencies and over 30 community partners including a Community Advisory Committee and 10 Regional Coordinating Committees Against Violence.

- 30 -

Media contact: