LABRADOR CITY, Newfoundland and Labrador - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre Inc. and the Femmes francophones de l'Ouest du Labrador (FFOL) for projects that address violence against women in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through the project entitled Together we can: Empowering communities to end sexual violence, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre Inc. is addressing violence against women and girls, and improving their safety throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through the project entitled La violence… de quoi tu parles? (Violence…what violence?), the FFOL is addressing family violence experienced by French-speaking women and girls in isolated communities in western Labrador.
"The Government is committed to ending violence against women. That is why I am proud of our Government's support for these two worthwhile projects, which provide concrete and effective measures to increase women's safety in Newfoundland and Labrador – particularly in rural and isolated communities," said Minister Guergis. "Through these initiatives, the organizations will empower women and girls so they can take an active role in improving their quality of life and participating in society."
"This project will inform and empower women and girls in rural communities across Newfoundland and Labrador who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, sexual violence. It will help to also dispel myths and misconceptions on sexual violence," said Ms. Karen Bennett, Chair of the Board of Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre Inc. "By educating service providers and front-line workers so that they are better equipped to effectively address victims' needs, we will make a positive impact on women and on the community."
"In western Labrador, where communities are small and close-knit, French-speaking women and young women rarely discuss the violence they have experienced. Our initiative will reduce the isolation of Acadian and Francophone women and young women in that region who face domestic violence, and we will help them find solutions," said Ms. Charlotte Lessard-Cayouette, President of Femmes francophones de l'Ouest du Labrador. "La violence… de quoi tu parles? will bring women together to share, network, break the silence on violence, and gain practical tools and new skills for improving their lives."
The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre Inc. is receiving $53,200 to carry out its project. The Centre's mandate is to provide support and services to adults impacted by sexual violence, to educate the public on sexual violence issues and to foster positive change in society's attitudes.
The FFOL is receiving $12,770 to carry out its project. The organization's mandate is to promote the local, regional and provincial development of French-speaking women and girls in Labrador.
Funding for these two projects comes from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This Fund supports eligible organizations in carrying out projects at the local, regional, provincial/territorial and national levels.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women, and their full participation of women 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
