Executive
Council
Health and Community Services
January 29, 2008
Ministers Outline New
Research Project on Impacts of Family Violence
The
Provincial Government recognizes that family violence is a serious
problem in Newfoundland and Labrador and has initiated a research
project on the issue. The project is an examination of existing research
relating to the emotional and psychological impacts of family violence
on children in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Honourable Joan Burke, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention
Initiative (VPI) and Minister of Education, and the Honourable Ross
Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, explained today the
intent of the research project, given the lack of understanding by
Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones regarding a recent Request for Proposals
(RFP) issued by the Women�s Policy Office and the Department of Health
and Community Services.
�A compilation of existing provincial and national research and
literature on the impacts of family violence on children will serve to
educate professionals such as teachers, social workers, policy-makers
and community stakeholders,� said Minister Burke. �This in turn will
help these professionals better serve the child. This project is a small
piece of our comprehensive, $9.2 million Violence Prevention Initiative.
This particular project will help all those involved with this serious
issue to be fully informed about current literature before making
decisions that could change important policies, programs or services.�
In addition to providing a comprehensive resource for those who work to
prevent family violence, the study will help identify gaps in research,
services, programs and policies relating to the topic.
�The impacts of family violence can be devastating and it is essential
that we are fully aware of what the current research tells us about
these impacts, which is the focus of this project,� said Minister
Wiseman. �Contrary to the Oppositions Leader�s misinformation, this
initiative was never designed to be a thorough review of this issue, but
rather a look at what is currently known about the consequences of
violence within families. The information gathered in this project will
be valuable as we continue efforts to combat violence in the communities
and homes of this province.�
The 2006-2012 VPI Action Plan indicates that violence has devastating
long-term effects on its victims. One of the strategic priorities of the
plan is to increase research and development surrounding the
psychological and emotional impacts of family violence on children. This
will result in a greater level of understanding and will help prevent
violence in the long-term.
With the support of an additional $2.7 million in funding in just two
years, many initiatives are underway to raise awareness about violence
prevention, such as family violence, including the creation of an
activity book for children going through the court system, and the
evaluation and monitoring of the implementation of the Family Violence
Protection Act.
To find out more about the Violence Prevention Initiative visit
www.gov.nl.ca/vpi
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Media contacts:
Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca
|
Michelle
Hynes-Dawson
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-2125
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca
|
2008 01 29
5:00 p.m. |