Improving Services for Victims of Sexual Assault in Northwestern New Brunswick

April 24, 2017 – Edmundston, NB – Department of Justice Canada

Sexual violence can have serious and long-term effects on victims and survivors, their families, friends and communities. The Government of Canada is committed to taking action to address these effects. Providing victims and survivors with the services they need, when they need them, can improve a survivor’s recovery and can also reduce their risk of developing problems in others areas of their lives.

Today, René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska—Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced a $937,243 funding agreement with Escale MadaVic, a shelter for abused women and their children. This five-year funding agreement will help improve access to community-based services for victims of sexual violence in northwestern New Brunswick.

With this funding, Escale MadaVic will work with more than 28 partners to coordinate and deliver services to public, private, and community support groups, as well as individual programs for victims of sexual assault. The funding will also be used to train public, private, and community service professionals, as well as employ strategies to demystify stereotypes and reduce stereotyping related to sexual assault.

Quotes

“A well-functioning justice system is one that keeps communities safe, protects victims, and holds offenders to account. The trauma of sexual assault can have long-term impacts on the physical and emotional health of victims and survivors. With this funding, victims of sexual violence in northwestern New Brunswick will have better access to the community-based services they need.”
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“The development and coordination of intervention and prevention services will help meet the needs of victims of sexual assault in northwestern New Brunswick, and in particular the Francophone minority communities, and contribute to countering, preventing, and eliminating the cycle of violence.”
René Arseneault
Member of Parliament for Madawaska — Restigouche

Quick facts

• L’Escale MadaVic is a transition house for women and their children in Madawaska and Victoria counties who are victims of violence. Their research confirms that:
  • Approximately two out of three victims who used their shelter during the 2014-15 fiscal year have been subjected to sexual abuse.
  • Two out of three victims are under 18.
  • One out of three women has been a victim of at least one sexual assault since age 16.
• This contribution is provided through the Justice Canada Victims Fund. In 2016‑2017, the Fund will contribute more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime.

Relevant link

• L’Escale MadaVic http://www.escalemadavic.com/

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