July 16, 2009
VILLE-MARIE (Quebec) – The Government of Canada is pleased to support a project that aims to overcome violence against women during recreational and tourist events, such as festivals, in the Abitibi‑Témiscamingue region, by providing education and support services to victims as well as women at risk as well of sexual assault. The project by the Comité de la condition féminine au Témiscamingue is entitled De la méfiance à la vigilance: pour que "party" rime avec sécurité (From Mistrustful to Watchful: Where "Party" Rhymes with Security).
"Our Government is committed to ending violence against women," said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). "We are proud to support this project of the Comité de la condition féminine au Témiscamingue, which will provide women and girls with the information they need to identify and avoid situations that put them at risk of sexual assault."
"This project aims to make women and girls as well as officials in Témiscamingue aware of and prepared to handle issues of sexual assault related to public events," explained Annie Larivière, Project Coordinator for the Comité de la condition féminine au Témiscamingue. "This project responds to a need expressed by women and girls who have themselves been sexually assaulted during tourist events in the region."
The Comité will receive $159,074 toward the De la méfiance à la vigilance: pour que "party" rime avec sécurité project from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. These funds help eligible organizations carry out projects at the local, regional and national levels.
The project will allow 250 girls and 250 boys from the Abitibi‑Témiscamingue region to develop a better understanding of sexual assault. In addition, 30 women and girls will help raise awareness in their community through discussion groups and safety patrols at recreational and tourism events.
The mandate of the Comité is to improve living conditions for women in Témiscamingue by eliminating poverty and violence, and by offering women a home, an alternative to isolation, and a network for education and action.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Sherine Mansour
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
