April 20, 2015
This week marks the National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, and I applaud efforts which help to raise awareness about this important issue.
As Minister of Health, I am particularly concerned about family violence and its health and emotional impacts on victims and their families.
Recent statistics tell us that approximately 25% of all violent crimes reported to police stem from family violence. The physical and mental health consequences of family violence are deep and profound and can last a lifetime. For victims, it can lead to chronic pain and disease, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and many other serious afflictions. It can affect victims’ abilities to form positive relationships and stifle them from reaching their full potential.
Supporting these victims is a priority for the Government of Canada, and we know we can’t do it alone. Fittingly, "Shaping the Future Together" is the theme for this year’s National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
In February, I announced a 10-year, $100 million investment to support victims of family violence. This major investment will help community-based organizations enhance their programs to promote the health of victims and rebuild their health. This could include mental health promotion, peer support and physical activity programs to bolster the health and resilience of victims. This targeted investment will also better equip health professionals with the information and training they need to safely support victims of family violence. This is an important investment aimed at supporting the health of victims of domestic violence and child abuse, including women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and honour-based violence.
In addition, our recently-launched “Stop Family Violence” webpages can assist Canadians who need help dealing with family violence with information on how to recognize abuse, what to do if they know someone is being abused, how to make a safety plan, and where to find local services.
Our Government is committed to ensuring that victims of family violence get the help they need. We want to put a stop to family violence and support victims so they may heal and rebuild their lives towards a healthier future.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
