February Marks Violence Prevention Month in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with representatives of provincial and regional community partners of the Violence Prevention Initiative, today proclaimed February as Violence Prevention Month at Confederation Building.

“All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the right to live free from fear and violence,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “I encourage everyone to take time to become involved in violence prevention activities taking place throughout the month and to take the necessary steps to reduce, and ultimately end, violence.”

Violence Prevention Initiative regional coordinating committees throughout the province have planned a number of events and activities in an effort to heighten awareness about the various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, financial, verbal, emotional, spiritual, cultural and psychological. For instance, in the Eastern Region, a motivational speaker will give a presentation on anti-bullying to students at two local schools; while in the Labrador Region there will be presentations and activities to educate youth and parents on the root causes of violence and how to prevent violence. A complete listing of activities for Violence Prevention Month can be obtained from local regional coordinating committees, listed in the backgrounder below.

“During the month of February, our government will continue airing its OutrageNL Campaign to prevent youth violence, as well as the Respect Women Campaign,” said Minister Johnson. “In addition, we are asking all residents of the province to show support for Violence Prevention Month by displaying purple ribbon pins and magnets.”

In any form, violence profoundly affects an individual’s overall health and well-being.
Statistics show that women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable to violence, with women experiencing the highest rates of violence.

Violence Prevention Month is an element of the Provincial Government’s Violence Prevention Initiative. The six-year, government-community partnership is focused on identifying long-term solutions to violence. For more information about the Violence Prevention Initiative, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.

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Photo: The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative was joined by Violence Prevention Initiative community partners to proclaim February as Violence Prevention Month. Back row, left to right: Sgt. Wayne Newell, Citizens Crime Prevention Association of Newfoundland and Labrador; Sarah Flynn, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Gillian Spurrell, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Leanne Lane, Women’s Policy Office; Barbie Wadman, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre; Linda Ross, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Jessica Gallant, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Elizabeth Siegel, Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador; Michelle Smith, Women’s Policy Office; Cst. Kevin Foley, Citizens Crime Prevention Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Front row, left to right: Leisha Sagan, Coalition Against Violence – Avalon East; Hon. Charlene Johnson; Heather Sutton, Communities Against Violence.

Media contact:
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
MichelleHunt@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Regional Coordinating Committees Contact List

Violence Prevention Labrador
P.O. Box 23
Forteau, NL A0K 2P0
1-866-446-8080, 709-931-2600
coordinator@vplabrador.ca 

Northern Committee Against Violence
P.O. Box 190
St. Anthony, NL AOK 4SO
709-454-3351
darlenerice@gov.nl.ca

Western Regional Coalition to End Violence
P.O. Box 373, 2 Carmen Avenue
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6E3
709-634-6606
wrcev@nf.aibn.com

Southwestern Coalition to End Violence
P.O. Box 621
Stephenville, NL A2N 3B5
709-643-1022
swceviolence@gmail.com 

Central West Committee Against Violence Inc.
5 Hardy Ave
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P8
709-489-8828
cav@nfld.net

The Roads to End Violence
142 Bennett Drive, Suite 2
Gander, NL A1V 2E4
709-651-2250
theroadstoendviolence@nf.aibn.com

Eastern Region Committee Against Violence
105 Manitoba Dr, Suite 304
Clarenville, NL A5A 1K2
709-466-4676
ercav@gov.nl.ca 

Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence
P.O. Box 87
Marystown, NL A0E 2M0
709-279-4030
paulamallay@nf.aibn.com

Communities Against Violence
P.O. Box 500
Bay Roberts, NL A0A 1G0
709-786-7182 Ext. 225
communitiesagainstviolence@yahoo.ca

Coalition Against Violence
31 Peet Street – Tara Place, Suite 209
St. John's, NL A1B 3W8
709-757-0137
cavae@coalitionagainstviolence.ca

2012 02 06                     2:20 p.m.