January 27, 2014 – Montreal, QC – Department of Justice Canada
Minister of Justice Peter Mackay and Minister of Labour and Status of Women Dr. K. Kellie Leitch today announced the Government`s support for the Girls Action Foundation’s project Building Bridges for Female Youth: National partnership project to address intimate partner violence and increase access to justice among marginalized young women.
The project, funded under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, is a pan-Canadian initiative designed to improve access to justice for marginalized young women and girls who are victims of partner violence or at risk of becoming victims. The project will offer these women and girls educational workshops on the justice system and their legal rights, along with other tools to assist them when experiencing dating violence. The project focuses on peers and community organizations as sources of assistance that are simple for young women to access, establishing a sense of safety and trust to make getting information and referrals easier for them.
"Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects us all. Our Government is proud to support the important work of organizations, like the Girls Action Foundation, that provide effective, targeted, and community-based support to women and girls who experience this form of violence." Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
“Many girls and young women don’t know where to go for help if they or their friends experience intimate partner violence. Reported intimate partner violence has been on the rise in Canada and we have seen how dating violence can lead to devastating consequences, such as suicide, when girls and young women do not access services and support. This project will equip stakeholders to better support young women, especially those that are marginalized, including rural, low-income and Aboriginal female youth. Ultimately, through our collaboration with multiple partners, including the West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund, the project will contribute to building services that are more responsive to young women’s unique needs.”
Saman Ahsan
Executive Director, Girls Action Foundation
- Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
- Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
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