11 April 2013
Calgary, Alberta
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to children and families impacted by child abuse, will be named the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre. Co-founder of Respect Group Inc., Sheldon Kennedy has been a vocal champion for victims of sexual abuse since going public with his own victimization in 1996.
“Our Government will continue to stand up for victims of crime and their families,” said the Prime Minister. “Child abuse is a horrible crime that can haunt its victims their whole lives. We are proud to support the work of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre to help abused children and their families recover, heal and grow stronger.”
The centre is the first of its kind in Southern Alberta. It provides a safe, child-friendly environment where a team of professionals from various disciplines work together to help victims of child abuse navigate the criminal justice system and heal from emotional and mental trauma.
“Our efforts to eliminate child abuse are being informed by brave people like Sheldon Kennedy, who had the courage to come forward with his own story, and who now works tirelessly to help prevent child abuse,” added the Prime Minister. “This centre is a fitting tribute to his efforts, his dedication, his drive and his depth of character.”
