Angels Corner Unveiled in St. John’s

Angels Corner, located at the intersection of Duckworth Street and Prescott Street in St. John’s, was unveiled today. The memorial, which is part of a national initiative, recognizes female victims of violence and creates awareness of the need to end violence and abuse against women.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, joined Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of St. John’s, and Sheilagh O’Leary, Councillor and Chair of the Angels Corner Committee, as well as officials from the Canadian Constituency Office – Nunatasiavut Government for the unveiling.

“Violence against women is a serious issue in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada,” said Minister Sullivan. “This designation commemorates victims of violence and symbolizes the need for governments and its community partners to work as one to instill change and end violence. Today’s unveiling of Angels Corner stems from such a cumulative effort of the City of St. John’s, the Nunatasiavut Government, and the Provincial Government.”

Supported by a $10,000 contribution from the Provincial Government, the City of St. John’s Angels Corner is a first in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will be marked with a specially-designed wrought-iron gate, plaque, bench, mural, and flag, as well as landscaping.

“We are very pleased to be able to dedicate this space as Angels Corner in the heart of downtown St. John's to put a spotlight on the violence and abuse faced by women in our society,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “I would like to thank our funding partners from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Constituency Office - Nunatsiavut Government for helping make today's unveiling of Angels Corner possible. We would also like to thank all of the organizations which sat on our Angels Corner committee for their time and dedication to making this project a reality today.”

The concept of Angels Corner or Street was initiated in a July 2007 meeting of Provincial and Territorial Ministers for the Status of Women. Since that time cities in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have named streets Angels Street.

“Data from local police indicates that more than 3,000 violent incidents were committed against women over the age of 18 in Newfoundland and Labrador last year,” said Minister Sullivan. “That number, coupled with the fact that only 10 per cent of women who experienced these forms of violence actually reported them to the police speaks to the gravity of this issue. The Provincial Government, through its Violence Prevention Initiative, is committed to continuing the Respect Women Campaign and ensuring a safer environment for women – and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

For more information on the Respect Women Campaign, visit www.respectwomen.ca 

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2011 10 20                           10:30 a.m.