Consultations Begin on Phase II of the Violence Prevention Initiative

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is continuing to act on its commitment to address violence against vulnerable populations in our province by moving forward with consultations on Phase II of the Violence Prevention Initiative.

Starting today, the public is invited to submit written ideas and recommendations for the development of the next violence prevention action plan. Consultation sessions with partners and stakeholders are scheduled for the coming weeks.

“The purpose of these consultations is to gather feedback from partners and stakeholders, as well as the general public, on the Violence Prevention Initiative to date,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “The consultation process will also provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the opportunity to build upon the strengths of the first action plan in order to help shape the direction of the second phase.”

Over the past six years, the Provincial Government’s $12 million commitment to combating violence against women and other vulnerable populations in Newfoundland and Labrador has been guided by the action plan, Taking Action Against Violence 2006-2012. During Phase I of the Violence Prevention Initiative, significant progress was made in changing attitudes about violence throughout the province, as evidenced in the 2010 Provincial Survey of Attitudes towards Violence and Abuse being released today.

“Our government conducted this survey through the Women’s Policy Office in collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency,” said Minister Johnson. “The survey provides a comprehensive look at public attitudes, awareness levels and behaviors relating to interpersonal violence and, in particular, public attitudes as they relate to vulnerable populations in the province.”

The survey revealed that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are becoming more aware of the various types and forms of violence and abuse that exist within society and it noted a positive shift in residents’ attitudes and behaviours towards violence and abuse. For example, close to 25 per cent of residents indicated that they are more likely to get involved in violence prevention activities and 24 per cent of residents have exhibited more concern for victims of violence as a result of increased awareness. The survey also highlighted that Violence Prevention Initiative social marketing campaigns, such as the Respect Women campaign and OutrageNL campaign against youth violence, are making a difference by educating the public about what violence and abuse is, and what individuals can do to make a difference in society.

“Overall, the survey shows that we are making great strides in increasing awareness of the issue of violence and abuse in our province,” said Minister Johnson. “However, we still have areas in which to improve and concerns to address. It is important for us to continue working with our community partners and stakeholders to address the root causes of violence and abuse so that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can live free from harm and fear.”

The provincial survey, as well as a discussion guide, are posted on the Violence Prevention Initiative website at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi. The information and questions in the guide are provided as an aid to help facilitate dialogue and feedback during the consultation process. Public input from both individuals and organizations is encouraged and welcomed.

Written submissions can be provided to the Violence Prevention Initiative through the following methods:

E-mail: vpi@gov.nl.ca
Facsimile: 709-729-2331
Mail: Violence Prevention Initiative
Women’s Policy Office
4th Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Submissions will be accepted until June 22, 2012.

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Media contact:
Tracey Boland
Communications Specialist
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
TraceyBoland@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Highlights of the 2010 Provincial Survey of
Attitudes towards Violence and Abuse

In 2010, the Violence Prevention Initiative, in collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency, conducted the 2010 Provincial Survey of Attitudes Towards Violence and Abuse. The survey consisted of a quantitative telephone and mail-out survey to residents across Newfoundland and Labrador and measured the public’s attitudes towards violence and abuse.

The survey sample size was 9,315 residents over the age of 18. Statistics Canada guidelines were used to determine the sample frame size for Newfoundland and Labrador and each of the 10 Violence Prevention Initiative regions to ensure that the survey results are representative of the population. In total, 3,726 residents responded to the survey. The survey achieved a confidence level of 95 per cent, validating its accuracy.

Survey highlights include the following:

• The public is becoming much more aware of the various types of violence and abuse that exist within Newfoundland and Labrador society. The survey demonstrated an increase in public awareness of three main types of violence:
• Verbal by 7.6 per cent
• Psychological by 8.3 per cent
• Emotional by 9.3 per cent

• The public has identified concern regarding the level of violence and abuse against four vulnerable populations:
• Children
• Youth
• Older persons
• Women
• The public has identified three social settings of which they are most concerned about violence and abuse:
• Schools
• The internet
• Families

• Approximately 57 per cent of individuals surveyed over the age of 18 indicated that their level of awareness of violence and abuse had increased over the past four years. Of this group:
• Approximately 62 per cent indicated that their attitude towards violence and abuse has changed.
• Approximately 38 per cent indicated that their behaviour towards violence and abuse has changed.

2012 05 14                            12:30 p.m.