Executive Council
November 25, 2016

Preventing Violence in our Families and Communities

Purple Ribbon Flag Raised at Confederation Building

To mark the start of the 2016 Purple Ribbon campaign, a Purple Ribbon flag will be raised at the Confederation Building, marking the first time that such a flag has been raised in Canada. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, joined community stakeholders to raise the flag, which will fly until December 10 to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

“I am very proud to say that Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province in Canada to fly the Purple Ribbon flag to increase the awareness of violence against women. It is only through raising awareness and changing attitudes that violence against women can be prevented. This flag is a tribute to all those who have experienced violence and symbolizes our collective efforts to speak out about violence and educate others. We all have a responsibility to address this issue.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Purple Ribbon Campaign includes two significant dates in the history of violence against women: November 25 is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

“We want the people of our province to live in safe, caring communities where there is respect for one another and any type of violence is unacceptable. Today’s flag raising ceremony would not have happened without the advocacy of Ms. Debbie Hibbs. The Hibbs family has suffered a terrible tragedy in their lives, but are now using their strength to educate others and increase awareness of violence against women. I commend them for their actions and encourage every resident to take part in the Purple Ribbon Campaign.”
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

The annual Purple Ribbon Campaign was developed to create awareness and prevent violence against women in Newfoundland and Labrador with the purple ribbon long being a symbol used around the world. The creation of the Purple Ribbon flag was made possible by the advocacy of Debbie and Phillip Hibbs.

“Flying the Purple Ribbon Flag outside of Confederation Building is imperative to raising awareness about domestic relationship violence and violence against young girls, women and men. This act will help honour those who have lost their lives to violence. The more we speak out about violence the more comfortable we will become in having that conversation.”
- Debbie Hibbs, Mother of Juliane Hibbs

To learn more about preventing violence against women or to view the campaign materials, including information on the history of the purple ribbon, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/ or contact any of the 10 Regional Coordinating Committees Against Violence listed in the backgrounder below.

QUICK FACTS

• The Purple Ribbon flag was raised in front of Confederation Building for the first time.
• Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province in Canada to raise a Purple Ribbon flag.
• The flag will remain in place until December 10, coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
• The Purple Ribbon Campaign also includes two significant dates in the history of violence against women - November 25 is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
• The purple ribbon has long been a symbol representing the prevention of violence against women in many parts of the world.

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