Newfoundland and Labrador Breaking Free from Sexual Violence

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative, and community representatives, to officially proclaim September 17–21 as Sexual Violence Awareness Week in the province.

This year’s theme for Sexual Violence Awareness Week, Breaking Free, focuses on empowering victims and survivors of sexual violence and is a reminder of the urgent need to take action to eradicate sexual violence.

“Sexual violence knows no boundaries and can have devastating impacts on individuals, families and communities,” said Premier Dunderdale. “During this week, we once again see women coming together for marches and rallies throughout our province. The outpouring of support speaks to the communities dedication and effort to end violence. As a government, through the Violence Prevention Initiative, we work closely with community partners to create awareness of the severity of this issue.”

Flags at Confederation Building will be lowered to half mast in recognition of the 13th year of Sexual Violence Awareness Week. Many municipalities across the province are joining with the Provincial Government to proclaim Sexual Violence Awareness Week in their communities, including Placentia, Musgrave Harbour, Channel-Port aux Basques, Nain, Makkovik, and several others.

“I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take part in Sexual Violence Awareness Week activities throughout our province,” said Minister Johnson. “Your participation in these activities helps create awareness of the issue, which enhances efforts to end violence. By taking a stand against violence, we are all helping to ensure that residents of Newfoundland and Labrador may live in safe homes and communities.”

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.

“I am pleased to see that so many organizations from all over the province are becoming involved in Sexual Violence Awareness Week,” said Barbara Wadman, coordinator, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre. “In the St. John’s region, we have a number of events taking place throughout the week, including an open house, a film screening, and a self-defense class. The week culminates on Friday evening with the 28th annual Take Back the Night march and rally.”

Take Back the Night marches are scheduled in communities throughout the province. For more information about these events, please contact the local regional coordinating committee (see backgrounder).

Since 2006, the Provincial Government has committed $12 million to preventing violence against women and other vulnerable populations in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Violence Prevention Initiative.

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Photo: Joined by representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre and staff of the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative, proclaimed September 17 to 21 as Sexual Violence Awareness Week throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

(Back Row, Left to Right: Leanne Lane, Michelle Smith, Nancy Allen, Josh Smee, Julianne Mack; Middle Row, Left to Right: Linda Ross, Heather MacLellan, Ceara Ryan, Dominic and Jennifer Paul-Power, Brittany Traverse, Barbie Wadman; Front Row, Left to Right: the Honourable Charlene Johnson, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale)

Media contacts:
 

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 

2012 09 17                             4:00 p.m.