Executive Council
September 12, 2016
Supporting Safe Communities
Provincial Government and Community Partners Recognize Sexual Violence Awareness Week
The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is joining community partners to proclaim Sexual Violence Awareness Week, September 12-16. Minister Bennett joined the Sexual Violence Awareness Week committee and other community members at a proclamation signing last week at the Multicultural Women's Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The prevention of all forms of violence is of utmost importance to our government. Understanding and awareness of this serious issue is all of our responsibility. Our government, through the Women's Policy Office, works to help put measures in place to ensure all residents feel safe in their community and work environments. Since February of this year we have held a series of roundtables with violence prevention stakeholders throughout the province to enhance our violence prevention action plan. We will continue to work together to stop all forms of violence and harassment."
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
This year's theme of Listen. Believe. Support. aims to raise public awareness of sexual violence and its impacts, recognizes the need to end sexual violence and reminds all residents of the province to avoid victim blaming and to believe and support those who have been sexually victimized.
Through the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), the Provincial Government works to find long-term solutions to the problem of violence in the province. The Provincial Government is committed to continued collaboration with community groups, departments and agencies and Aboriginal organizations to counteract discrimination, promote equality and, ultimately, prevent and reduce all forms of violence and abuse.
"The theme Listen. Believe. Support. is very simple but extremely powerful. By truly committing to these actions, we can create safer and empowering communities that are ready, willing and able to support survivors. It is only by working together, from a survivor-centred approach, that can we effectively address and prevent sexual violence in our communities."
- Nicole Kieley, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre
In addition to the proclamation signing, the Sexual Violence Awareness Week Committee has a number of events scheduled including a discussion on sexual violence and the justice system, an auction fundraiser and a film screening and lantern vigil. The week also includes the 32nd Annual Take Back the Night March, which gets underway at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, from Bannerman Park.
More information on events for Sexual Violence Awareness Week can be found here //ow.ly/Iepo3047XY4
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government recognizes Sexual Violence Awareness Week from September 12 to 16.
- This year's theme of Listen. Believe. Support. aims to raise public awareness of sexual violence and its impacts, recognizes the need to end sexual violence and reminds all residents of the province to avoid victim blaming and to believe and support those who have been sexually victimized.
- Through the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), the Provincial Government works to find long-term solutions to the problem of violence in the province.
- More information on events for Sexual Violence Awareness Week can be found here //ow.ly/Iepo3047XY4
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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
2016 09 12 3:55 p.m.