Government announces funding for violence prevention and women�s centres

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced today that government is committing $500,000 in Budget 2005 for violence prevention work in the province. Government has also approved an additional $80,000 to support the operation of Status of Women Councils/Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We are committed to eliminating violence in this province," said Minister Burke. "This is not an easy task and requires the full support of our community and government partners. The Violence Prevention Initiative is drawing to a close and we intend to build on its successes as we move forward. Planning for future activities will include information gathered from recent consultation sessions with community partners as well as the external review of the Violence Prevention Initiative by Goss Gilroy."

Funding will continue for the six regional coordinating committees of the Violence Prevention Initiative, as well as the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre and the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. A three-month transition period will allow the Violence Prevention Initiative to wrap up its current mandate and establish a new management committee that will include community representatives. The new violence prevention program will include a new leadership structure, accountability mechanisms, educational and public awareness activities, and will respond to unique regional differences and strengths.

Minister Burke is also pleased that for a second year, government is increasing funding to the eight regional women�s centres in Newfoundland and Labrador. The $80,000 committed in Budget 2005 will be split between centres in St. John�s, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Port aux Basques, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West.

Minister Burke said women�s centres have seen an increased demand in nearly every area of service they provide. "I am pleased that government is committing additional funds for their operational budgets and congratulate these organizations on their accomplishments to date and hope this additional funding will better enable them to meet their needs," she said.

In 1997, the federal government announced it was discontinuing operational funding to these organizations and in 1998, the provincial government entered into contracts with the seven existing women�s councils for the direct provision of services through their women�s centres. An eighth women�s centre was established in 2002. Their contracts outline that women�s centres will provide information and referral, direct service, public education, outreach and leadership development activities for women.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624

2005 03 21                     3:25 p.m.