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Executive Council
September 12, 2010

Provincial Government and Community Groups
Stand Strong Against Sexual Violence

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is marking the start of Sexual Violence Awareness Week with a proclamation signing today (Monday, September 12.) The theme of this year’s Sexual Violence Awareness Week, September 12 – 16, is It’s Time… reflecting the need to end sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. Flags at Confederation Building have been lowered to half mast in recognition of the week.

“The effects of sexual violence are devastating for victims, and impact friends, families and communities,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Provincial Government is working closely with community partners to create awareness of the severity of this issue. It is clear that this year’s theme, It’s Time…, reflects the continued need for people throughout the province to stand united and stop sexual violence in our communities and regions.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre is the lead organizing committee for Sexual Violence Awareness Week in St. John’s and has developed this year’s theme. The centre is one of more than 30 community groups that partner with the Provincial Government through the Violence Prevention Initiative.

“The more we educate ourselves and others about the realities of sexual violence, the better chance we have of ending its existence,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “The staff and volunteers of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, along with other community and government anti-violence partners, are working hard to raise awareness about the issue in an effort to help make this province violence free. Violence is rooted in inequality. By working together, we can reach out and take action to end sexual violence.”

There are a number of events scheduled throughout the week by the centre, including an open house, public information session and a self-defence class. The week culminates on Friday evening with the annual Take Back the Night march and rally. For more information on events in St. John’s call 709-747-7757.

“Our centre is under constant demand as a resource for those who are dealing with the effects that result from sexual violence,” said Barbara Wadman, co-ordinator, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre. “I am pleased to see so many organizations becoming involved and planning activities around the province during Sexual Violence Awareness Week. By taking part in these activities, individuals are helping to create awareness about the issue and spreading the word to help make this province violence free. Together, we can continue to make a difference.”

Take Back the Night marches are also scheduled in Marystown, Grand Bank, Fortune, Grand Falls-Windsor, Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and on the north coast of Labrador in all Nunatsiavut communities. Community walks are occurring in Clarenville, Bonavista and Arnold’s Cove. For more information about these events and others throughout the province, please contact the local regional coordinating committee (see backgrounder).

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Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador signs the proclamation marking Sexual Violence Awareness Week. Joining Premier Dunderdale are (standing, left-right) Jessica Barbour, Barbara Wadman, Andrea Milley and Denise Hayes of The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.

Media contacts:

Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

Milly Brown
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 631-8477
millybrown@gov.nl.ca 
 
Melissa MacLeod
Communications Specialist
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
melissamacleod@gov.nl.ca
Barbara Wadman
Co-ordinator
Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault
Crisis and Prevention Centre
709-747-7757
coordinator@sexualassaultcentre.nf.net


Backgrounder
Regional Coordinating Committees Against Violence

Violence Prevention Labrador
P.O. Box 23
Forteau, NL A0K 2P0
1-866-446-8080, 709-931-2600
coordinator@vplabrador.ca 

Northern Committee Against Violence
P.O. Box 190
St. Anthony, NL AOK 4SO
709-454-3351
darlenerice@gov.nl.ca 

Western Regional Coalition to End Violence
P.O. Box 373, 2 Carmen Avenue
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6E3
709-634-6606
wrcev@nf.aibn.com 

Southwestern Coalition to End Violence
P.O. Box 621
Stephenville, NL A2N 3B5
709-643-1022
swceviolence@gmail.com 

Central West Committee Against Violence Inc.
5 Hardy Ave
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P8
709-489-8828
cav@nfld.net 

The Roads to End Violence
142 Bennett Drive, Suite 2
Gander, NL A1V 2E4
709-651-2250
theroadstoendviolence@nf.aibn.com 

Eastern Region Committee Against Violence
105 Manitoba Dr, Suite 304
Clarenville, NL A5A 1K2
709-466-4676
ercav@gov.nl.ca 

Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence
P.O. Box 87
Marystown, NL A0E 2M0
709-279-4030
paulamallay@nf.aibn.com 

Communities Against Violence
P.O. Box 500
Bay Roberts, NL A0A 1G0
709-786-7182 Ext. 225
communitiesagainstviolence@yahoo.ca 

Coalition Against Violence
31 Peet Street – Tara Place, Suite 209
St. John's, NL A1B 3W8
709-757-0137
cavae@coalitionagainstviolence.ca 

2011 09 12                 11:50 a.m.

 
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