Executive Council
October 6, 2015

Supporting Safe Communities

Provincial Government Provides Grant for St. John�s Status of Women Council

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing a grant of $127,000 to the St. John�s Status of Women Council to allow continued programming under the Safe Harbour Outreach Project for the next year. The funding will support programs and services and expand outreach for individuals who are victims of sexual exploitation.

�The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of the work being done at the community level to support safe communities where all residents, including those exploited by the sex trade, can live without fear of violence. This funding will support the St. John�s Status of Women Council�s efforts to connect sex trade workers with supports that meet their needs in a respectful and responsive manner.�
-The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

The grant is jointly funded by Violence Prevention Initiative government partners including the Women�s Policy Office, the Department of Advanced Education and Skills, the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, the Department of Health and Community Services, the Department of Justice and Public Safety, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

�This grant will enable the Safe Harbour Outreach Project to continue to provide respectful and responsive programming for women involved in sex trade activities over the next year. SHOP can now expand our outreach efforts to deliver a coordinated community response to the complex issues faced by the women we serve, including those who have been affected by violence.�
-Jenny Wright, Executive Director, St. John�s Status of Women Council

Through S.H.O.P., the St. John�s Status of Women Council provides frontline services for women involved in sex trade activities, including:

• Safety planning and crisis support;
• Counselling and life skills development;
• Referrals to education and employment programs; and
• Assistance with navigating the health care, legal, income support and housing systems.

Additional information about S.H.O.P. can be found at www.sjwomenscentre.ca/programs .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing $127,000 to the St. John�s Status of Women Council to enhance programs, services and outreach for victims of sexual exploitation.
• The Violence Prevention Initiative is a multi-department government-community partnership to find long-term solutions for those most at risk of violence.
• Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi
• Information about the Safe Harbour Outreach Project can be found at www.sjwomenscentre.ca/programs

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Gina MacArthur Communications Analyst Women�s Policy Office 709-729-6225, 709-730-2977 ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Wright Executive Director St. John�s Status of Women Council 709-753-0220 x 223 jenny@sjwomenscentre.ca

2015 10 06                              10:35 a.m.