Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 4, 2009Provincial
Government Supports Safe Haven for Women and Children on North Coast of
Labrador
The Provincial Government is supporting the Rigolet
Partnership Against Family Violence in providing a safe house for women
and children experiencing family violence in the community of Rigolet,
Labrador.
Under the Aboriginal Women�s Violence Prevention
Grants Program of the Violence Prevention Initiative, the province is
contributing $30,000 to support necessary renovations to the future site
of the shelter.
"Everyone deserves to live freely and feel safe,
especially in their own home," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale,
Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative and Minister
Responsible for the Status of Women. "For those experiencing family
violence, these basic human rights are taken away. This is an important
project and we are confident that this safe house will make a real
difference in this community by providing a safe haven for women and
children, as well as educating its residents about violence prevention."
"This funding is a recognition of the tireless efforts
of the Rigolet Partnership Against Family Violence," said the Honourable
Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, who announced the funding
while addressing delegates at the Provincial Aboriginal Women�s
Conference in Gander. "Before any journey of healing can begin, women
and children in Rigolet who are experiencing family violence require a
sanctuary to ensure their safety − this safe house can be that
sanctuary."
The Violence Prevention Initiative is the province�s $9.2-million,
six-year strategy to combat violence in the province. The Aboriginal
Women�s Violence Prevention Grants Program addresses a priority action
item determined at the first National Aboriginal Women�s Summit in
Corner Brook in June 2007. During the summit, it was recognized that
increased financial resources for family violence prevention initiatives
and abuse prevention are necessary to improve the quality of life and
well-being of Aboriginal women and families. This year, a total of
$157,600 is being invested in eight projects across the province.
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